'His shorts should be removed & his religion checked': Surya on Timmapur's controversial remark

A political storm erupted after Karnataka's Excise Minister RB Timmapur made controversial remarks regarding the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Timmapur questioned whether the attackers asked for the victims' religion before opening fire, suggesting it was wrong to politicize the incident based on religion.

Also Read: 3 from Karnataka among victims of Pahalgam terror attack 

Reacting sharply, BJP MP Tejaswi Surya slammed Timmapur, calling his comments shameful and demanding his immediate resignation. "Timmapur’s shorts should have been removed and his religion checked," Surya said in a fiery speech. "You don't deserve to be in public life. Stay at home if you have any shame," he added.

Surya further challenged the minister's sensitivity, asking, "Do you have the courage to stand before the grieving families of Manjunath and Bharat and repeat your words?"

Timmapur’s earlier statement to the media had downplayed the targeting of victims based on religion, claiming that a shooter would not ask about caste or faith before committing violence. He alleged that political forces were trying to create a religious divide following the attack.

However, Surya and several other leaders accused the minister of undermining the pain and anger felt across the country. The demand for Timmapur’s resignation is gaining momentum, with many arguing that his comments were not only insensitive but also insulting to the memory of the victims.

Public outrage continues to grow as calls for accountability mount.