Shivamogga: BJP MLC Ayanoor Manjunath received a stern warning from Shivamogga city corporation commissioner Charulatha Somal when he addressed her insultingly in the presence of transport minister D.C. Thamanna, here on Tuesday.
The commissioner and MLC were on an inspection of the Smart City project along with the minister when they got into a spat. Seemingly irritated by Ms Charulatha's responses to Mr Thamanna on the project, Mr Manjunath interrupted to ask,”You are saying that the work on the project is progressing when people are living in the dark without proper lighting? No one is interested in hearing the people's problems. Don't they bring their grievances to your notice?” Hearing him address her insultingly, Ms Charulatha demanded that he speak to her properly. Losing his temper, Mr Manjunath responded angrily, “You need to be addressed with respect when people are reeling under problems? How should I address you?" Ms Somal hit back, saying she expected to be treated with respect. “We treat you with respect, don't we?” she asked, warning Mr Manjunath that she would take action against him if he did not mend his ways. In response, the MLC retorted, “What action will you take? We will see.” While Mr Thamanna interrupted to calm Ms Somal and Mr Manjunath, BJP MLA K.S. Eshwarappa watched the drama unfold.
