Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India]: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar addressed the backlash following his controversial “nuts and bolts” comment about Karnataka actors. Responding to the criticism, he stated on Tuesday that he is “not a God” and would correct his remarks if they were inappropriate.
The controversy arose after Shivakumar criticized the low turnout of actors at the inauguration of the Bengaluru International Film Festival. He remarked that he knew “how to tighten the nuts and bolts” of the actors, a statement that sparked outrage.
“We may not be right and polished…let me rectify it. I am not God, so if I have done anything wrong, I will rectify it, but I am speaking in the best interest of the (film) industry. I am also from the industry…I have an interest in this industry,” Shivakumar told reporters.
He further announced his plans to elevate Karnataka’s film industry by hosting the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IFFA) in Bengaluru next year.
“We conducted the International Film Festival in Bengaluru, and next year, I am planning to organise IFFA (International Indian Film Academy Awards) in Bengaluru,” he added.
Shivakumar’s comments were met with strong opposition from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP leader CN Ashwath Narayan condemned the Deputy CM’s statement, accusing him of “threatening” the actors and attempting to coerce them into supporting the Congress party’s campaign.
Speaking to media, Narayan said, “As a responsible govt, such a threatening statement by people in power, is not right…the Congress govt in Karnataka threatening, ‘we know how to tighten your bolts and nuts,’ what do you mean by that? This kind of threat is not fair and advisable…we condemn the statement by Dy CM…ill-treating actors and Kannada film industry, asking them to be part of Congress campaign and their agenda, what kind of mindset Congress have?”