Why is Karnataka BJP Protesting Against Minister Priyank Kharge?

Kalaburagi (Karnataka), May 24 (NationPress) - The Karnataka BJP initiated a significant protest in Kalaburagi on Saturday, targeting Minister Priyank Kharge and accusing him of hooliganism against the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy.

Priyank Kharge, the son of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, hails from the Kalaburagi district.

The large-scale ‘Kalaburagi Chalo’ protest was organized by the BJP near the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Kalaburagi city. The demonstration was led by BJP state president and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra, who stated that it was intended to contest Minister Priyank Kharge’s alleged misconduct, hooliganism, and unconstitutional behavior.

Chalavadi Narayanaswamy had previously likened Minister Priyank Kharge to a “dog,” which led to Kharge’s supporters allegedly surrounding and detaining him for five hours, insisting on an apology. The BJP delegation approached Governor Thawarchand Gehlot, calling for the dismissal of Priyank Kharge from the state cabinet.

During the protest, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy declared, “If there’s any true Dalit, it’s me. I have endured hardships, sleeping on mats and drinking from ponds, not born with privilege,” targeting Minister Priyank Kharge.

“Although AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge faced struggles in the past, I am being denied my rightful place,” Narayanaswamy added.

He criticized police inaction during a previous incident in Chittapur, claiming, “Minister Priyank Kharge is the mastermind behind this conspiracy.” He urged police to act in accordance with the Constitution and warned against subservience.

“I am not a privileged Dalit; I have no property or power. I dedicated 40 years to Congress, while Mallikarjun Kharge has won nine times in Gurmitkal — has any Dalit leader emerged from there?” he questioned.

“Wherever Mallikarjun and Priyank Kharge go, not even grass grows,” he mocked.

“I was the one who elevated your name, Priyank Kharge,” he reminded him.

He questioned, “We petitioned Rahul Gandhi for Kharge’s Chief Ministership. Why contest from a reserved Dalit constituency if you oppose the CM's post for Dalits?”

“How long will you hold onto power? I entered politics the same year you were born. You’ve been given a Congress B-form four times; why not me? Is it just because your father is influential?” Narayanaswamy remarked sarcastically.

“Without the name 'Kharge,' Priyank wouldn’t even win a Mandal Panchayat election,” he asserted.

“You’ve served as minister three times. Why hasn’t S.M. Narayanaswamy from our community, who won four times, ever been made a minister?” he questioned.

“Why hasn’t Prasad Abbayya, who won three times, become a minister? What about Shivanna from Anekal?” he asked, citing deserving candidates.

“You’ve suppressed many, including us,” he accused.

“Dalits in Congress are silenced,” he claimed, noting private expressions of concern from others.

He reiterated, “Congress has defeated and humiliated Babasaheb Dr B.R. Ambedkar.”

N. Ravikumar, Chief Whip of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, stated, “Chalavadi Narayanaswamy was insulted and barred from holding a Tiranga Yatra in Chittapur. Is Kalaburagi in India or Pakistan? Priyank Kharge must be dismissed, and the police involved in insulting Narayanaswamy should be suspended.”

Priyank Kharge represents the Chittapur Assembly seat.

Govind Karajol, BJP MP and former Deputy CM, remarked, “When Rahul Gandhi called Prime Minister Narendra Modi 'chowkidar chor hai,' Mallikarjun Kharge compared him to a venomous snake. Congress leaders are now fearful. You are treating everyone the same way you treated Narayanaswamy and other party workers. Cease such disgraceful actions and adhere to the Constitution, or the people will retaliate.”

Basavaraj Mattimood, BJP MLA, claimed, “Only Minister Priyank Kharge’s administration is operational here. Officials cannot perform their duties. The district has seen no development, and crime rates, including murders, are increasing.”

Former MP Muniswamy stated, “The Kharge family, including Mallikarjun and Priyank Kharge, seeks to maintain tight control over Kalaburagi. They employ incompetent police. It’s clear that Congress is anti-SC, anti-ST, and anti-Dalit. Kalaburagi is not surrendered to the Kharge family; it belongs to us.”