Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (DC)

Bengaluru, Oct 31: After former BJP minister Gali Janardhana Reddy's remark that former CM Siddaramaiah's son Rakesh died a couple of years ago 'because of his father's sins', gave rise to widespread criticism from all corners including his party leaders, Reddy apologized on Wednesday, October 31.

The poll campaign for upcoming by-elections turned ugly on Tuesday when Reddy in an exclusive interview to a private news channel referred to the death of Rakesh (39), son of Siddaramaiah, in Belgium during the year 2016. Reddy also is heard recalling a story from Ramayana in which King Dasaratha was cursed by the old parents of a boy who was erroneously killed by the King with an arrow, thinking him to be an animal. As the story goes, Dasaratha died when his children were away.

Several of his own party leaders and Congress leaders lashed out at Reddy for making the nasty 'curse' comment. Netizens too came out in support of Siddaramaiah after he tweeted in reply sticking to the limits of decency.

“Janardhan Reddy has said my son’s death was a punishment that God gave me. I will pray to God, for Reddy’s sins, his children should not be punished," Siddaramaiah had tweeted in Kannada which went viral.

Reddy re-tweeted Siddaramaiah saying, "I am happy that an anti-Hindu and atheist like you have started believing in God." BJP leader Suresh Kumar criticised Reddy by tweeting in Kannada that no one should make such remarks. "Let us not forego humanity," he tweeted.

After his comment caused outrage, Reddy clarified and said, "I have not used such words. I had recalled a story from Ramayana. If the people of the state are hurt by my statement, I will apologise."

In July 2016, Rakesh Siddaramaiah (39) died of multiple organ failure in Belgium.