Bengaluru, April 8 (IANS). Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Wednesday objected to the statements made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma against Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. He accused Sarma of making irresponsible and caste-based comments.
Priyank Kharge also defended his father Mallikarjun Kharge’s controversial ‘poisonous snake’ comment.
Addressing the media in Bengaluru, he claimed that the feeling of caste privilege is deeply rooted among BJP leaders. He attributed this to the influence of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Kharge alleged that CM Sarma’s views have changed after joining RSS. Similar ideological training has shaped his statements. The Chief Minister of Assam comes from the Brahmin community. They have social privilege, due to which, no criticism affects them.
He said that adequate accountability is not sought from CM Sarma for his statements against Dalits and leaders of marginalized communities.
Kharge also accused the RSS of promoting ‘Chaturvarna’ mentality and claimed that those who question such ideology are often targeted.
He said that while making controversial statements, BJP leaders call themselves representatives of ‘mature communities’, but they are unable to come out of the ‘Chaturvarna’ mentality.
Questioning Prime Minister Modi’s silence, Kharge asked whether he would defend Sarma’s statements? He emphasized that the leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha was being targeted by a sitting Chief Minister.
Defending his father’s previous comment, Priyank clarified that Mallikarjun Kharge’s comment on dealing with ‘poisonous snakes’ was a metaphor, meant to spread hate ideologies in the society.
He raised the question whether such ideologies should be promoted or opposed? The ideologies of BJP and RSS are detrimental to the progress and development of various sections of the society (including minorities, backward classes, Dalits, tribals and women). He claimed that such ideologies have no place in the Constitution.
He said that RSS believes in the principles of ‘Manu Smriti’, while Congress stands with the Constitution. He raised the question why BJP keeps promoting RSS?
Referring to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s comments, he said that the organization does not need any political support to maintain its existence.
During an election rally in Assam’s Shribhoomi district on Monday, Kharge had quoted the Quran and said that if a poisonous snake is passing in front of someone, even if he is offering namaz, he should leave the namaz and kill that poisonous snake.
Mallikarjun Kharge had said that I would say that breaking the prayers does not make any difference. RSS and BJP are those poisonous snakes.
At the same time, Assam Chief Minister Sarma, while addressing journalists in Jorhat, Assam, made a scathing attack on Kharge. The CM had raised questions on his statements and used strong language.
Sarma had said, “Kharge is getting old and speaking like a ‘madman’. You first insult people and then say you will ask the External Affairs Minister for confirmation?”
–IANS
ASH/ABM