BJP Can Protest, But I’m Not Linked To Karnataka Contractor’s Death: Priyank Kharge To News18

Last Updated:January 03, 2025, 15:43 IST

The BJP has planned a day-long demonstration in Kalaburagi on January 4, demanding the resignation of Priyank Kharge

Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge said he is not linked to the case. (X File)

With the Bharatiya Janata Party planning a protest in Kalaburagi seeking his resignation over the death of a contractor, Karnataka IT and BT minister Priyank Kharge said the political survival of the top BJP leaders in the state depends on defaming him.

“The survival of everybody in the state BJP depends on me — be it Chalavadi Narayanaswamy or B. Y. Vijayendra. They need to ensure they are in the news every day, their political survival depends on me. Your chair is secure until you keep targeting me. If you want to establish your leadership, it is inevitable. Go ahead," Kharge told News18.

The BJP has been baying for Kharge’s blood in the death of Bidar-based contractor Sachin Panchal, alleging the suicide note names the minister and those arrested are linked to his office. “Please learn Kannada first. Where is the link to my name," he asked.

“I welcome their protest, let them do what they want. If they behave in an appropriate manner, we will also serve them coconut water and water to quench their thirst. If they become lawless, then we will send them to jail," he said.

The minister said that in the Eswarappa case, contractor Santosh Patil clearly stated that the reason behind his death was the RDPR Minister KS Eswarappa. The man who was forced to end his life specifically mentioned that Eswarappa should be given stricter punishment. “That makes Eswarappa A1. Where am I in this particular case? There are eight other accused, and the BJP leaders clearly need to learn Kannada before they build their narrative," he added.

BJP IN ATTACK MODE

The BJP has decided to sharpen its attack on Kharge and has planned a day-long demonstration in Kalaburagi on January 4.

Senior BJP leader and former Deputy CM Ashwath Narayan said, “He has to step down until his name is cleared—100%! If he’s so clean, as he claims, let it be proven. Everyone knows how ‘clean’ he is — how much of the percentage goes to him. He is the Percentage King! It’s no secret. You know who’s giving out the contracts, don’t you? Everyone knows," Narayan told News18.

The BJP has been demanding that the investigation be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The Siddaramaiah government has handed over the case to the Crime Investigation Department (CID). “We need to insist, first of all, that the investigation be handled by a neutral agency. Right now, it’s a cover-up agency. It should be handed over to the CBI. In fact, I think even the family of the deceased should go to court. That’s the only way they’ll get justice because, with him (Priyank) in the government, how can they expect a fair probe? It must be either court-monitored or court-ordered," said Narayan.

“Eswarappa had resigned [in the case related to the death of a contractor] pending investigation, and sat out of the ministry. Priyank Kharge should also do the same," said the former Dy CM.

Arvind Bellad, deputy leader of opposition in the legislative assembly, said the BJP will continue to sharpen its attack against the leader. “It is not unnecessary. We have another minister from Gulbarga, Sharan Prakash Patil. His name is not mentioned or linked—that’s because Priyank Kharge’s name is mentioned in the letter. He has to take responsibility and come out clean. Let the truth prevail," he told News18.

Sharan Prakash Patil, state minister for medical education and skill development, slammed the BJP. “The BJP has no real issues to focus on. As the opposition, they have failed to address public concerns. Now, they are targeting ministers and individuals who have spoken out against them. This is clearly an act of revenge against Kharge, who has no involvement in the case. They are free to protest, but there’s no case to be made," he said.

News politics BJP Can Protest, But I’m Not Linked To Karnataka Contractor’s Death: Priyank Kharge To News18