BJP Leaders in Karnataka Detained for Poster Campaign Against Priyank Kharge

Bengaluru, Dec 31 (NationPress) The Karnataka Police apprehended BJP leaders on Tuesday for launching a poster campaign aimed at Priyank Kharge, the state Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister, in relation to the suicide case of a contractor linked to his close aide.

During a press briefing at the BJP state office in Bengaluru, the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, insisted that the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of contractor Sachin Panchal should be thoroughly investigated.

“The serious allegations of contract killing and honeytrapping associated with this case warrant an in-depth inquiry. With names from Solapur, Maharashtra emerging, it is crucial that this investigation be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI),” he asserted.

Narayanaswamy claimed that Minister Kharge had taken this situation personally and had challenged the BJP and its leadership.

“Despite their uproar and attempts to discredit me, I will not resign,” Minister Kharge reportedly stated.

Narayanaswamy questioned, “What does this signify? Does this suggest that our demand for justice is insignificant? Is it wrong to seek accountability?”

He further accused Priyank Kharge’s close associates of being implicated in this matter.

“Do not take this personally. If allegations have been made, face them with integrity and permit any form of investigation,” he urged Minister Kharge.

Narayanaswamy criticized Kharge for being evasive and dismissive of the situation.

“Minister Kharge claims, ‘Provide me with the address of the protesters; I will arrange refreshments for them.’ If this isn’t arrogance, what is?” Narayanaswamy questioned.

“Does anyone approach you to establish a rapport?” he queried Kharge.

“Our role is not to foster relationships; it is our responsibility to challenge wrongdoings while in the Opposition,” he emphasized.

He advised, “If you are uncertain about how to react, consider seeking advice from others.”

He added, “Priyank Kharge appears knowledgeable about interference in matters, yet he seems oblivious on how to address this one.”

He highlighted that the BJP’s call for Minister Priyank Kharge’s resignation was communicated through posters, akin to Kharge’s previous actions. “The choice is yours, but the struggle will continue,” he warned.

Narayanaswamy remarked that the case surrounding Sachin’s suicide has stirred significant attention statewide. The matter has reached public awareness, with Minister Kharge’s name being mentioned in this context. Both the BJP and Sachin’s family are advocating for a CBI investigation, he noted.

He shared that BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra, along with himself and MLC Ravi Kumar, had met with the deceased’s family. “When we visited, local leaders and Congress MLAs, including Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, were present. However, the family did not permit anyone from Congress inside their home,” he explained.

He continued, “Under duress, the minister eventually entered to engage in discussions. In contrast, we were warmly welcomed by the family during our visit. They are not politically inclined; they seek justice above all.”

Narayanaswamy added, “Our party members had collectively raised Rs 10 lakh to assist the family. Yet, they humbly declined, stating, ‘We do not want money; we seek justice.’”

The family recounted their traumatic experience, revealing that Sachin’s body lay on the tracks as three trains passed over it.

“This has shattered us,” Narayanaswamy expressed, adding, “The police have provided no guarantee of justice. The deceased’s family is not interested in a CID investigation; they have requested a CBI inquiry to ensure justice,” he maintained.