BENGALURU: Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Wednesday objected to statements made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma against AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, accusing him of making irresponsible and caste-driven remarks.
Priyank Kharge has further defended the controversial 'poisonous snake' remarks made by his father, Mallikarjun Kharge.
Addressing the media in Bengaluru, he claimed that a sense of caste privilege was deeply ingrained among the BJP leaders and attributed it to the influence of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Kharge alleged that CM Sarma’s views had changed after his association with the RSS, stating that such ideological training had shaped his statements.
Raising questions about CM Sarma’s background, Priyank Kharge said that the Assam Chief Minister belonged to the Brahmin community and enjoyed social privilege, which, according to him, insulated him from criticism. He alleged that statements made by CM Sarma against Dalits and leaders from marginalised communities did not attract adequate accountability.
Kharge further accused the RSS of promoting a “Chaturvarna” mindset and claimed that those who question such ideology are often targeted. He said BJP leaders project themselves as representing “matured communities” while making controversial statements, and they don't come out of the "Chaturvarna" mindset.