Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge Refutes BJP's Accusations in Contractor Suicide Case
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Bengaluru, Dec 28 (NationPress) The Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister, Priyank Kharge, addressed the media on Saturday, firmly rejecting the BJP's allegations made against him concerning the suicide of a contractor.
While speaking from his residence in Bengaluru, Minister Kharge remarked, "There are two narratives surrounding this suicide incident. The contractor has provided one perspective, while the accused have presented a different view of the situation."
"I have requested a thorough and impartial investigation. I have urged the Home Minister to set up an independent body within the Home Department to look into the matter," he added.
Kharge explained, "The BJP is merely trying to find reasons to push for my resignation, a pursuit that has been ongoing for over a year with no substantial basis. Neither I, my department, nor the government are implicated in this case."
When questioned about the BJP's call for his arrest, Kharge responded, "The BJP seems to lack an understanding of legal protocols. Am I really an accused? Do they comprehend the laws of our nation? What grounds do they have for demanding my arrest?"
He further challenged, "Is my name linked to this case? Have I been accused of encouraging the suicide? The BJP's motives are clear; they want to distract from their own internal issues," Kharge asserted.
Kharge continued, "Former Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa is entangled in a POCSO case, and there are others like BJP MLA N. Munirathna and BJP MLC C.T. Ravi facing serious allegations. There is turmoil within their ranks, and they wish to divert attention from it."
He stated, "I have been their target for many years. I possess a strong ideology that opposes their political agenda, which naturally makes me a focal point for them."
Kharge added, "They have failed to substantiate any claims against me over the years. They come forward without evidence. Show me a single instance where I have accused the BJP without proper documentation. The BJP employs a hit-and-run strategy, and this incident is no exception," he criticized.
"I challenge them to substantiate their allegations against me. There are eight individuals implicated in this case, one of whom is a brother of our Congress corporator. This is a fact I cannot dispute, but it does not imply my involvement in every aspect," he clarified.
He explained that the accused have mentioned a financial transaction from the bank, which was entirely legal. "There is no doubt regarding the legitimacy of the money transfer. We await further findings from the investigation," he stated.
Kharge also noted, "The BJP can shield anyone in Karnataka, including Kalaburagi. The circumstances surrounding former Minister K.S. Eshwarappa's resignation were different, as his name appeared in the suicide note and he faced direct accusations," he stated.
In light of the contractor's suicide in Kalaburagi district, which was allegedly linked to harassment from an associate of Minister Priyank Kharge, the Karnataka BJP has labeled the Congress-led government as a government of killers.
Opposition leader in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, accused Minister Kharge of misusing his authority and has called for both his resignation and arrest regarding the contractor's suicide.
He further claimed that the Kharge family is operating a 'republic' in their hometown of Kalaburagi.
On Thursday, a 26-year-old contractor named Sachin took his own life in Kalaburagi district, allegedly due to threats and extortion from an aide of Minister Kharge.
The deceased left behind a seven-page suicide note, wherein he claimed that the actions of Minister Kharge's aide and former member of Kalaburagi City Corporation, Raju Kapanuru, compelled him to take such a drastic step.
