Kharge Hits Back at Kumaraswamy, Demands Documentary Evidence for Allegations

Bengaluru, Oct 15 : Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Thursday launched a sharp counterattack against Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy over his personal remarks, challenging him to substantiate his allegations with documentary evidence and warning that he would not remain silent if the attacks continued.

Responding to Kumaraswamy's remarks, Kharge said he was not intimidated by the Union Minister's confrontational language and accused him of making allegations without producing supporting documents.

"If I start speaking the truth, he will have to undergo open-heart surgery again," Kharge said in a pointed personal retort, escalating the war of words between the two leaders.

Kharge said he had maintained respect in his exchanges with Kumaraswamy but would not hesitate to respond in the same language if the latter continued his attacks. He also objected to references to family members, warning that the confrontation could take a different turn if personal matters were dragged into it.

"Do not think that I will be intimidated if you address me disrespectfully. I was never afraid of your father or the RSS. Why should I be afraid of you?" he asked.

Responding to Kumaraswamy's reported challenge to arrest him, Kharge said the Union Minister should first produce the evidence he claimed to possess instead of issuing public challenges.

"If you have the documents, give them to us. If you have evidence and wrongdoing is established, we will certainly take action. We have been saying from the beginning that, instead of making allegations, produce the information and documents," Kharge said.

He added that Kumaraswamy could submit the material to the police commissioner and lodge a formal complaint if he believed a crime had been committed.

Questioning allegations concerning properties and alleged irregularities, Kharge said claims could not be treated as established facts without documentary proof.

"Is it enough to make allegations about a hotel near Mount Carmel College or a five-star hotel near the Chief Minister's office? Should there not be proper evidence and documents? Stop saying whatever comes to mind and produce the documents if you have them," he said.