Priyank Kharge terms BJP leaders “barricaded captives”

Kalaburagi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to congratulate ISRO scientists on Chandrayaan-3's success acquired a political undercurrent when prominent Congress leaders, including Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister and Kalaburagi district in-charge minister Priyank Kharge, seized the opportunity to comment on BJP leaders.

The photo where senior leaders including state BJP chief Nalin Kumar Kateel standing behind the barricades went viral on the social media on Saturday.

Kharge's comment, conveyed through a tweet, portrayed BJP leaders as "barricaded captives," implying that their endeavors to catch Modi's eye from behind security barricades in Bengaluru were lamentable. He asserted that this effort was unfortunate and compromised their dignity.

"The sight of BJP leaders resembling barricaded prisoners, desperately vying for attention in front of the Prime Minister, is truly pitiable. This spectacle has certainly cast a shadow on their integrity and self-esteem," Kharge stated. 

The Congress leader's critique extended to BJP's internal politics, questioning the party's inability to select a Leader of the Opposition even after a hundred days.

He raised doubts over the possibility of electing an opposition leader and added that the BJP was grappling with its own version of "dictatorship."

Kharge reiterated that the actions of BJP leaders on the streets not only undermined their reputation but also insulted the electorate, the people of Karnataka, and the party workers.

The Congress, on its official handle, tweeted, "The state's BJP leaders seem to be overlooked by high command figures. Until Modi's frustration subsides, the Leader of the Opposition will remain unelected; Modi's ire must first cool.

Appointing a new state president within the BJP is uncertain; the present president is seen active on the streets. This image exemplifies," accompanied by the Congress' statement.