Priyank Kharge ignoring atrocities against Dalits: Narayanaswamy

Bengaluru, Oct 10 : Karnataka Legislative Council Leader of Opposition Chalavadi Narayanaswamy on Saturday accused the Congress government of failing to address atrocities against Dalits and urged State Home Minister Priyank Kharge to focus on his responsibilities instead of engaging in political attacks.

Alleging that Dalits were facing serious injustice in Karnataka, the BJP leader claimed that around 17 murders had taken place and accused the Home Minister of failing to show adequate concern over the incidents.

“I consider Priyank Kharge my brother. But Dalits are facing immense injustice in the state today. Murders and sexual assaults are taking place. Around 17 murders have occurred, and he has not bothered about even one of them so far,” Narayanaswamy told reporters here.

He said holding public office was not merely about politics but also about ensuring effective governance and addressing people's problems. Criticising Kharge's handling of his responsibilities, Narayanaswamy said experience and administrative understanding were essential for those in positions of power.

On the protests in Delhi and the demand for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner, Narayanaswamy said the Centre would not be intimidated by demonstrations. He maintained that allegations against the constitutional authority should be substantiated through legal channels.

“If there has been a mistake, approach the court. What is the mistake for which you are demanding the resignation? Nobody is able to point it out,” he said, accusing the protesters of creating political controversy without establishing their allegations.

Rejecting the allegations concerning Form 7 applications and electoral-roll revision, he claimed that the Election Commission had not deleted any voter's name on the recommendation of an individual. He also questioned the opposition to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), asking whether the names of deceased persons, those who had shifted elsewhere and non-citizens should continue to remain on electoral rolls.

Narayanaswamy asserted that the BJP and the NDA government would not take away the constitutional rights guaranteed under the Constitution drafted under the leadership of Dr B R Ambedkar. He urged those opposing the revision exercise to seek judicial remedies rather than resort to street protests.

Turning to the Congress, the BJP leader alleged that the party was facing a leadership crisis at the national level and was increasingly driven by the pursuit of power. He claimed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's support among Ahinda communities — minorities, backward classes and Dalits — had helped sustain the Congress in Karnataka.

If Siddaramaiah continued to be sidelined, the Congress could face further difficulties in the state, he said. Referring to AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, Narayanaswamy questioned the effectiveness of the party's national leadership.

Taking a swipe at Rahul Gandhi, he described him as a “star campaigner for the BJP”, alleging that his political interventions benefited the BJP rather than strengthening the Congress. He also questioned the Congress's ability to remain politically relevant until the next election.

Commenting on the controversy surrounding a sting operation, Narayanaswamy said the Home Minister should be familiar with the legal provisions governing police action. He pointed out that the police had the authority to register a suo motu complaint and said the minister should understand the powers available to the government and the police department.

He said sting operations were part of the media's professional responsibilities and questioned the concerns expressed by Congress leaders over the issue. He also alleged that Siddaramaiah had allowed the controversy to surface publicly instead of taking appropriate action, claiming that the Chief Minister was using the issue to put pressure on legislators and ministers within his party.

On the Mahishi Dasara celebrations, Narayanaswamy alleged that some people were organising the event for publicity. He said the government could intervene to prevent it from becoming an established practice, cautioning that the issue could lead to social complications in the future.

He urged those involved to refrain from activities that could create unrest in society.