Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge’s son and party leader Priyank Kharge on Monday dubbed Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “nalayak” drawing the ire of BJP brass while the Congress asserted that such a remark was never made by him.
Priyank, seeking reelection from Chittapur in Kalaburagi district in Karnataka said Prime Minister Modi claiming to be a son of the Banjara community and promising to take care of them was “inept” because he and his party had created confusion about reservations for the SC community.
His remark comes days after Mallikarjun Kharge’s “venomous snake” barb aimed at PM Modi.
BJP president JP Nadda said Opposition leaders have been using such language against the Prime Minister to “please” their masters, a reference to Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said: “In a state of despair of losing the election, he (Priyank) has forgotten his limits. A few days ago, his father withdrew his words. Now, it’s his turn. People will teach them a lesson.”
Mallikarjun Kharge stoutly defended his son and said he never made such comments. The Congress president said: “No. No. It is very wrong. He never said it. Don’t put these words into his mouth. He attacked the parliament member (not Modi) who abused him. So, don’t put these words into his mouth (saying it was meant) for Modi. I am sorry, everywhere this is going on (misquoting) purposely. Morning he (Priyank) condemned it but still you people are asking.”
Priyank, addressing a poll gathering quoted from Modi’s speech and said: “When you (PM Modi) came to Gulbarga (Kalaburagi) what did you tell the people of Banjara community? “Aap sab log dariye mat. Banjara ka ek beta Dilli mein Baitha hai (You do not be afraid. A son of Banjara is sitting in Delhi).”
“Aisa nalayak beta baitha to kaise hota bhai? Ghar kaise chalega?” (If an inept son is sitting in Delhi, how can you run the family?), he asked.
Priyank further said though Modi claimed to be the son of the Banjara community, confusion was created on reservation by the BJP regime in Karnataka.
“Didn’t injustice happen to the Banjara community? Why were stones thrown at Yediyurappa’s house in Shikaripura (in Shivamogga district)? Why Bandh was observed in Kalaburagi and Jewargi? Today there is confusion in the reservation,” the Congress leader claimed.