Belagavi: The BJP’s chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa stirred up quite a controversy on Saturday, May 5 when he advised party workers to tie the hands and legs of ‘non-voters’ and make them exercise their vote in favour of BJP candidates, which is in stark contrast to the principles of free and fair elections laid down in our Constitution.

Addressing a campaign rally in the Belagavi district, BSY said, “Go to every house and if you find people who do not want to vote, tie their hands and legs and bring them to the polling booths to vote for Mahantesh.”

Mahantesh Basavantrai Doddagoudar is the BJP candidate from the Kittur constituency.

The video of BSY’s speech has been widely shared on social media platforms and has evoked sharp criticism from the opposition Congress as well as other sections of the society.

“A defeatist BJP facing rejection at the hands of Kannadigas is threatening voters in frustration. Mr Yeddyurappa, insulting democracy and intimidating voters will trounce the BJP decisively,” tweeted Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala in response to the video.

Reacting to BSY’s remarks, a netizen tweeted: “This person @BSYBJP is threatening physical assault on public and intimidation of the public. This is not free and fair elections. Please take preventive actions.” She even tagged the Bengaluru police in her tweet.