Karnataka BJP Delivers Contractor's Death Note to Rahul Gandhi; Priyank Kharge Predicts Party's Embarrassment

Bengaluru, Jan 2 (NationPress) In the midst of the uproar surrounding the tragic suicide of contractor Sachin Panchal in Karnataka, which is purportedly tied to state Minister Priyank Kharge, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has dispatched the contractor's death note to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.

A registered copy of the note was also forwarded to Minister Kharge. Nevertheless, Kharge has stated that the BJP is destined for embarrassment in this matter.

Simultaneously, the BJP continues to stage protests demanding Minister Kharge's resignation.

On Thursday, a substantial protest was organized by the BJP in Mandya, led by senior party figure Ashwath Narayan Gowda.

The BJP reiterated that they have sent the death note of contractor Sachin Panchal to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. A registered copy was also sent to Minister Priyank Kharge.

The BJP contended that the Congress government claims Minister Kharge's name is not present in the death note penned by Sachin Panchal.

"It appears this death note has not yet reached you. Hence, we are sending it via post. Please read it immediately and ensure that Priyank Kharge resigns," the BJP urged Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders.

Meanwhile, during a joint press conference in Bengaluru on Thursday alongside Congress MLC Ramesh Babu, Priyank Kharge remarked, "The BJP is employing every tactic to coerce me into resigning and please their higher-ups. They are plotting to damage the reputation of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge."

Priyank is the progeny of Mallikarjun Kharge.

Minister Kharge asserted, "The BJP will encounter humiliation in this episode -- I can assure that in writing. A week has passed since the incident, yet no significant documentation has been presented. The government is accountable for delivering justice to Sachin's family. The case has been assigned to the special wing CID for investigation."

"The family remains in shock. When they are prepared, we will support them and ensure compensation and justice," he continued.

Minister Kharge drew parallels with a prior incident, stating, "During the last BJP government, contractor Santhosh Patil took his life, leaving behind a death note explicitly blaming the then Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister, K.S. Eshwarappa."

"He (Contractor Santhosh Patil) specifically indicated that Eshwarappa was accountable and should face consequences. He even sought support for his family from the Prime Minister, Karnataka Chief Minister, and former CM B.S. Yediyurappa. In this instance, did Sachin name me in any similar manner? Is there no distinction?"

Eshwarappa resigned following that incident.

Minister Priyank Kharge stated, "The preceding BJP government did not bother to engage with Santhosh Patil's family. Their political survival now hinges on dragging my name into this. They cannot discuss policies, so they resort to unfounded accusations. Additionally, they assert that CM Siddaramaiah lacks the authority to request my resignation. The decision lies with the CM -- who are they to comment?"

He also aimed criticism at the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, by saying, "It seems he is functioning as a personal LoP for Priyank Kharge rather than for the state. He will maintain that role as long as he targets me and Mallikarjun Kharge, but he will be marginalized as soon as this matter concludes."

Minister Kharge directly challenged BJP leaders, including State Party President B.Y. Vijayendra and LoP in the Legislative Council Narayanaswamy, asking: "A chargesheet has been filed in the case against BJP MLA N. Munirathna. Do you possess the courage to demand his resignation? Are you afraid of being 'contaminated with a lethal virus' yourselves?"

MLA Munirathna is accused of employing honey traps to infect his political rivals with HIV.

He also confronted R. Ashoka, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, stating, "Munirathna has disrespected women from the Vokkaliga community. What actions are you taking regarding this? You chant 'Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao', but is it merely for show?"

Munirathna is also labeled as "anti-Dalit" and "anti-woman", Kharge claimed.

R. Ashoka is a member of the Vokkaliga community.

Minister Kharge further alleged, "Former BJP MLA Kumar Bangarappa has suggested that the party will have a new state president this year, prompting Vijayendra to hastily meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah."

"Before targeting me, issue notices to your own leaders -- Kumar Bangarappa, BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, and others -- who have openly rebelled against you," Kharge stated while criticizing B.Y. Vijayendra.

Congress MLC Ramesh Babu commented, "Priyank Kharge ideologically challenges the BJP and RSS, which is why they focus on him. The BJP has been unsuccessful in countering him on ideological grounds."

He also called for the resignation of Union Ministers from Karnataka, including Pralhad Joshi, Shobha Karandlaje, and V. Somanna, as well as R. Ashoka, referencing allegations against them.

In response to the BJP's scheduled protest in Kalaburagi, Kharge's home district, on January 4, Ramesh Babu stated, "Let BJP leaders come to Kalaburagi. The public is aware of what the BJP represents -- they are merely engaging in political games by targeting Priyank Kharge."