Karnataka Congress MLA Makes Controversial 'Rape' Remark Over Leadership Tussle In State

Last Updated:December 11, 2025, 18:00 IST

Karnataka Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain made a controversial remark by using the Hindi word for rape to comment on the state leadership tussle.

Karnataka Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain (Photo: Social Media)

Karnataka Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain made a controversial remark on Thursday after using the Hindi word for ‘rape’ – ‘balatkaar’, in a comment about the ongoing leadership tussle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar.

According to NDTV, Hussain, who has publicly backed Shivakumar’s bid for the Chief Minister’s post, said, “‘Hum kiya toh balatkaar… voh kiya toh chamatkaar,’" which translates to, “If we do it, it is ‘rape’; if they do it, it is magic."

The comment was made in reference to a remark earlier in the day by Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of the Chief Minister, and came amid growing debate over the leadership in the state Congress.

The leadership struggle in Karnataka resurfaced after Yathindra Siddaramaiah reiterated that the high command had ruled out any change in leadership in the state.

Speaking to reporters in Belagavi, Yathindra said, “There is no tussle for the chief minister’s post. I have already told you. Now everything is clear. The high command has clearly said that, as of now, there will be no changes in leadership."

The statement gained significance as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has maintained that he will abide by the high command’s decision regarding any leadership change.

Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President DK Shivakumar sought a clarification from the Chief Minister following Yathindra’s remarks.

Responding to questions, Shivakumar remarked, “I think the Chief Minister will reply for him."

The development is seen as likely to intensify the leadership debate within the party, with Shivakumar considered a strong contender for the Chief Minister’s post.

Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, a close associate of Siddaramaiah, said, “Siddaramaiah will act as per the instructions of the high command. No decision has been made regarding a leadership change. We will follow what the Chief Minister says. Whatever the Chief Minister and the high command say, we will abide by it."

Excise Minister RB Timmapur added, “The high command will decide after taking the opinions of the MLAs," while Hussain, a staunch supporter of Shivakumar, said, “If we talk about leadership, they issue a notice. Our high command is powerful, not weak. There is discipline in the Congress party. We are committed to that discipline. No one can override the high command."

Hussain also took a swipe at Yathindra’s comments, saying, “If we speak, it becomes outrageous; if he (the Chief Minister’s son) speaks, it becomes magic. He should understand the circumstances before commenting. We should all know our positions."

The tensions within the Congress began earlier in the week after Yathindra said on Monday that those predicting a change in the Chief Minister’s post were “dreaming," adding that the high command had clarified that Shivakumar’s claim was not entertained and that Siddaramaiah would complete his term.

Yathindra further said, “I am committed to my words. I have conveyed whatever I had to convey. I will not react to those statements any further. There is nothing more to say now. I cannot keep responding to every reaction. Let anyone say whatever they want."

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