Bengaluru, Jan 13 (NationPress) The Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the Congress on Tuesday for neglecting to meet German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during his arrival in Bengaluru. Instead, they opted to prioritize the visit of Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, in Mysuru.

In a statement, the Karnataka BJP remarked, "The Congress party raises a significant ruckus when their leaders are excluded from a banquet honoring a foreign dignitary. Yet, when such a leader visits their own state, they choose to overlook the occasion in favor of welcoming Rahul Gandhi, who was merely passing through to Ooty."

Karnataka's Opposition leader, R. Ashoka, made these comments on Tuesday. He expressed his disappointment on his X account, criticizing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for not meeting Chancellor Merz when he arrived in Bengaluru. Ashoka stated, "Today, the visit of the German Federal Chancellor to Karnataka represents a moment of great diplomatic, economic, and strategic importance for our state. A responsible Chief Minister would have ensured that this visit received the attention it warranted, as it could lead to investment, industry, employment, and long-term growth for Karnataka."

He further added, "While the German Chancellor arrived in Bengaluru, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar opted to be in Mysuru to welcome Rahul Gandhi. This prioritization of political allegiance over the state's global standing is not only poor optics but also shows a profound disregard for Karnataka's interests."

"Karnataka deserves a leadership that places the state before party interests, prioritizes progress over power, and values global opportunities over political favor. The state deserves better," he concluded.

The German Chancellor Merz and his team arrived in Bengaluru on Tuesday, visited various local institutions, and left from Kempegowda International Airport in the evening. Karnataka's Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, M.B. Patil, extended a warm farewell to the Chancellor and his delegation at the airport.

Before his departure, Chancellor Merz was received warmly at the Bengaluru International Airport by State Minister M.B. Patil. Additional officials present included Gaurav Gupta (Additional Chief Secretary), K.G. Jagadeesh (Secretaries of the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms), G. Jagadish (Bangalore City District Magistrate), Seemant Kumar Singh (Bangalore City Police Commissioner), and representatives from the German Consulate General in New Delhi.