Did BJP Just Expose Congress President Kharge's Insensitivity Towards Farmers?

New Delhi, Sep 8 (NationPress) The BJP has fiercely criticized Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, claiming he made the most callous remarks ever uttered by a leader of a national party regarding farmers. This accusation stems from Kharge allegedly belittling a group of farmers who sought his assistance concerning flood-related damages in Karnataka, referring to their pleas as "publicity stunts".

BJP representatives condemned Kharge’s statements as shameful and inappropriate for someone in his position, asserting that if such comments had originated from their party, there would have been widespread protests across the nation. They insisted on an apology, characterizing it as indicative of Congress’s supposed indifference to farmers' challenges.

BJP MP Jagdambika Pal remarked, "If farmers are suffering from floods, where can they turn? The Karnataka government is under Congress. As a senior figure and the national President of Congress, Kharge should have shown compassion. Instead, he reprimanded them and accused them of seeking publicity. This clearly demonstrates that Congress lacks genuine concern for farmers' hardships."

He further emphasized that Kharge’s actions were not only insensitive but also profoundly offensive to those dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods, particularly in a state currently facing natural calamities.

BJP leader S. Prakash stated, "A farmer approached Kharge to ask for assistance due to crop loss. Rather than providing comfort, Kharge dismissed him, stating that he should not seek publicity. This may be the most insensitive remark made by a national party President. If a BJP leader had made a comparable statement, Congress would have orchestrated nationwide protests. Will Kharge apologize now?"

Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, another BJP leader, denounced Kharge’s comments, declaring, "This reflects the typical Congress mentality. Many Congress figures in Karnataka have previously spoken against farmers. Kharge is merely perpetuating that tradition."

Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad starkly contrasted BJP and Congress leadership, asserting, "While Congress only engages in politics for its own gain, PM (Narendra) Modi prioritizes the welfare of the nation. Kharge’s statement demonstrates a negative attitude toward farmers, which is unacceptable. Anyone who disparages farmers should not hold a leadership position."

In response, Congress swiftly defended its leader, with Andhra Pradesh unit Vice President V. Gurunadham issuing a strong counter. He stated, "Kharge's remarks are entirely accurate. The BJP did not support the Karnataka government during the floods that devastated areas like Gulbarga, nor did they provide any assistance to the farmers. Kharge’s comments were not an attack on farmers, but rather a critique of the BJP's hypocrisy."

Gurunadham also accused the BJP-led central government of consistently neglecting states governed by opposition parties, stating, "There is a long-standing pattern of the Centre overlooking the needs of non-BJP states, particularly during crises. Kharge’s criticism fits into that broader narrative."

Earlier in the day, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya shared a video of the incident on X, writing, "The next time Rahul Gandhi or Congress claim to represent farmers, remind them of this — their own President Mallikarjun Kharge mocked farmers’ suffering and told them to 'stop whining and seeking publicity.' This demonstrates the legendary insensitivity of Congress that has driven farmers to despair for decades."

He further contrasted this with the BJP’s accomplishments under Prime Minister Modi, asserting, "It took PM Modi to initiate a genuine agricultural revolution, assisting farmers in diversifying, doubling their incomes, safeguarding crops from seasonal risks, and modernizing farming practices. While Congress mocked, PM Modi delivered."