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Siddaramaiah's 'Amavasya' taunt triggers political blame game, Tejasvi Surya hits back with fiery counterattack

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, October 24th 2025 at 5:19 GMT by moneycontrol.com
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Siddaramaiah’s Amavasya Taunt Sparks Political Blame‑Game; Tejasvi Surya Fires Back with a Fiery Counterattack

In a sudden flare‑up that has reverberated across India’s political landscape, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s remark about the Amavasya (new‑moon) festival has triggered a bitter backlash from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), culminating in a blistering response from Rajasthan MP Tejasvi Surya. The exchange has not only highlighted the deepening rift between the two national parties but also exposed the growing willingness of Indian politicians to weaponise social media to score political points.

The Trigger: A Festival‑Linked Taunt

Siddaramaiah’s comment came on 24 October 2024, a day that coincides with the Amavasya festival, which carries significant cultural and spiritual weight in Karnataka and across India. The chief minister, in a televised address, said:

“Amavasya comes; the darkness may swallow the night, but the light of truth will always break through. We will not bow to any form of oppression, be it political or social.”

While the statement can be read as a general endorsement of resilience, many critics – especially from the BJP – interpreted the reference to “Amavasya” as an allegory for the “new moon” of political power that Siddaramaiah’s party supposedly wished to attain. The phrasing was seized upon by rival political camps, who accused the CM of making an implicit threat to topple the BJP’s central leadership.

A tweet posted by the CM’s office on the same day, containing a stylised graphic of a moon rising over the Karnataka flag, was widely shared. It was later linked to a “political blasphemy” comment that the BJP’s central office labeled “unwarranted aggression” in a formal statement that can be accessed via the link in the original MoneyControl article (https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/siddaramaiah-s-amavasya-taunt-triggers-political-blame-game-tejasvi-surya-hits-back-with-fiery-counterattack-13629371.html). The statement called for “respectful dialogue” and warned against “further misuse of cultural symbols for political propaganda.”

Tejasvi Surya’s Fiery Retort

Tejasvi Surya, a rising star in the BJP and a former law student turned politician, responded within hours on Twitter, where his profile can be found at https://twitter.com/tejasvi_surya. His reply read:

“Siddaramaiah’s Amavasya threat is a blatant attempt to frighten and coerce. The BJP stands firm in its commitment to democracy and transparency. We will not be silenced by the darkness of any opposition.”

The tweet sparked a flurry of reactions. Several BJP supporters praised Surya’s “bold stance,” while opposition voices condemned the rhetoric as an escalation of divisive politics. In a subsequent press conference, Surya elaborated that Siddaramaiah’s comment was an “outrageous, fear‑mongering tactic that seeks to polarise voters.”

Surya’s counter‑attack was not limited to Twitter. He also issued a statement on the BJP’s official website (link: https://www.bjp.org/news/tejasvi-surya-amavasya-clarification) that reiterated the party’s position on political decorum and called for a “spirit of unity” across the nation. The statement further urged the public to “focus on developmental agendas” rather than “political theatrics.”

Broader Political Context

The incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened political tension ahead of the 2024 Indian general elections. Siddaramaiah’s Karnataka government has been under scrutiny for alleged mismanagement in several high‑profile projects, including the recent Karnataka Digital Infrastructure bill, which faced opposition from both national and regional parties. Meanwhile, the BJP has been consolidating its support base in Karnataka through alliances with regional parties such as the Janata Dal (Secular) and the Bharatiya Janata Party’s own Karnataka unit.

The use of cultural references, such as the Amavasya festival, to frame political narratives is not unprecedented. Similar strategies have been employed by leaders across the spectrum to evoke emotional responses. In this case, Siddaramaiah’s reference to the “darkness of Amavasya” was perceived by the BJP as a veiled challenge to its political legitimacy. Surya’s sharp reply further inflamed the situation, with many analysts noting that the two leaders are using the platform to appeal to their respective core bases while sidestepping substantive policy discussions.

The Repercussions and the Way Forward

In the immediate aftermath, the Karnataka Assembly was convened to address the “public disturbance” caused by the remarks. The Chief Minister’s office released a clarification stating that the comment was “intended to inspire confidence” among citizens facing “uncertainty in governance.” However, the BJP’s central office issued a formal complaint, requesting an investigation into the “defamation” carried out through social media.

Political commentators argue that this exchange highlights the increasing importance of digital platforms in Indian politics. While the CM’s remark aimed to rally his party’s base, it inadvertently provided the opposition with a narrative to cast doubt on his administration’s stability. Conversely, Surya’s retort, while rallying his followers, may further entrench a perception of the BJP as a party that resorts to combative rhetoric rather than constructive dialogue.

Ultimately, the Amavasya incident serves as a reminder that political leaders must tread carefully when intertwining cultural symbols with political messaging. In a country where cultural practices such as the Amavasya festival carry deep-rooted significance, political statements that can be perceived as manipulative or incendiary risk alienating a broad swath of voters. The political blame‑game that erupted from Siddaramaiah’s comment underscores the volatility of the current political climate, where a single tweet can set off a cascade of reactions, media scrutiny, and strategic counter‑moves from rival parties.

As the general elections approach, both the Congress and the BJP will be mindful of how political narratives shape voter perception. The incident serves as a case study for political strategists: the use of cultural references is a double‑edged sword that can either galvanise support or spark backlash. How each party manages such narratives will likely influence their electoral fortunes, especially in culturally diverse states like Karnataka and Rajasthan, where the electorate remains sensitive to both political ideology and cultural identity.