Karnataka Contractor Suicide: BJP Sends Death Note to Rahul Gandhi; Minister Priyank Kharge Predicts BJP's Downfall

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

A registered copy of the note was also sent to Minister Kharge. However, he has stated that the BJP is destined for humiliation in this matter.

Meanwhile, the BJP continues to demand Minister Kharge's resignation and has organized a large protest in Mandya, spearheaded by senior leader Ashwath Narayan Gowda.

The BJP has reiterated that the Congress government claims that Minister Kharge's name does not appear in Sachin Panchal's death note.

"It seems this death note has not yet reached you. Therefore, we are sending it via post. Kindly read it immediately and ensure that Priyank Kharge resigns," the BJP insisted to Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders.

During a press conference in Bengaluru on Thursday, alongside Congress MLC Ramesh Babu, Priyank Kharge remarked, "The BJP is resorting to all tactics to force my resignation and win over their high command. They are conspiring to damage the reputation of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge."

Priyank is the son of Mallikarjun Kharge.

Minister Kharge asserted, "The BJP will face humiliation in this episode -- I can guarantee it in writing. A week has passed since the incident, yet no significant evidence has been presented. The government is responsible for ensuring justice for Sachin's family. The case is now with the special wing CID for investigation."

He added, "The family remains in shock. Whenever they are ready, we will support them and ensure they receive compensation and justice."

Minister Kharge compared the situation to a prior incident, stating, "During the former BJP government, contractor Santhosh Patil took his own life, leaving a note that explicitly blamed then Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister K.S. Eshwarappa."

He continued, "Santhosh Patil specifically named Eshwarappa as responsible and demanded support for his family from the Prime Minister, Karnataka Chief Minister, and former CM B.S. Yediyurappa. In this case, has Sachin mentioned my name in any such manner? Is there not a clear distinction?"

Eshwarappa resigned following that incident.

Minister Priyank Kharge stated, "The previous BJP government showed no concern for Santhosh Patil's family. Their political survival now depends on dragging my name into this. They find it impossible to discuss policies, so they resort to unfounded accusations. Additionally, they assert that CM Siddaramaiah lacks the authority to demand my resignation. The decision is up to the CM -- who are they to comment?"

He further criticized Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, for acting as a personal LoP for him rather than for the state, stating that Narayanaswamy will maintain that role as long as he continues to attack him and Mallikarjun Kharge.

Minister Kharge also confronted BJP leaders, including State Party President B.Y. Vijayendra and LoP in the Legislative Council Narayanaswamy, questioning, "A chargesheet has been filed against BJP MLA N. Munirathna. Do you have the courage to call for his resignation? Are you afraid of being 'infected with a deadly virus' yourselves?"

MLA Munirathna faces allegations of using honeytraps to compromise his political opponents.

Kharge challenged R. Ashoka, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, asking, "Munirathna has insulted women from the Vokkaliga community. What actions are you taking regarding this? You preach 'Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao', but is it merely for appearances?"

He further labeled Munirathna as "anti-Dalit" and "anti-woman".

Minister Kharge alleged, "Former BJP MLA Kumar Bangarappa has stated that the party will have a new state president this year, which prompted Vijayendra to hurriedly meet with Union Home Minister Amit Shah."

"Before targeting me, address issues with your own leaders -- Kumar Bangarappa, BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, and others -- who have openly rebelled against you," Kharge criticized B.Y. Vijayendra.

Congress MLC Ramesh Babu added, "Priyank Kharge ideologically challenges the BJP and RSS, which is why they target him. The BJP has failed to counter him on ideological grounds."

He demanded the resignation of Union Ministers from Karnataka, including Pralhad Joshi, Shobha Karandlaje, and V. Somanna, along with R. Ashoka, citing allegations against them.

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