Ananth Kumar Hegde terms Dalit organizations 'barking dogs'

Ballari: Union minister Ananth Kumar Hegde opened door for controversy by naming members of Dalit organizations who had gathered around his car and protested as ‘barking dogs’ while addressing a job fair on Saturday, January 20th.

Members of Dalit organizations gheaoed Ananth Kumar Hegde’s car and waved black flag protesting against his recent statement on changing the constitution. The police managed to pacify the protesters and clear the way.

After that, Ananth Kumar Hegde participated in a job fair where he said, “We have the urge to and strength to build the nation. We will not get intimidated by barking dogs on the street. This is my nature and there is no questioning of caving in”.

In December 2017, while speaking at a programme in Koppal, Hegde had racked up a controversy over his comment that his party which is in power at the centre was ‘ready to change the Constitution’. The comment led to protests and widespread disapproval, after which Ananth Kumar Hegde apologised.