Fury in Mandya: Congress Workers Hit Streets Over HD Kumaraswamy's Slurs
Congress workers and Dalit groups block highways in Mandya to protest Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy's comments against Priyank Kharge.
The political atmosphere in Karnataka has reached a boiling point as Congress workers, joined by Dalit and progressive organisations, launched a massive Congress protest Mandya to condemn Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy. The unrest was triggered by a series of sharp and personal remarks made by the Union Minister against the state's Home Minister, Priyank Kharge.
Highways Blocked and Human Chains Formed
The protest unfolded at the Sanjaya Circle in Mandya, where the situation escalated as demonstrators blocked the old Bengaluru-Mysuru highway. In a powerful display of defiance, protesters formed a human chain and brandished posters of HD Kumaraswamy, raising slogans that echoed through the city.
The demonstrators expressed deep outrage, arguing that the language used by a Union Minister was unbecoming of his stature. "It is not right for a responsible Union Minister to speak like this," the protesters asserted, adding that leaders from prominent families should maintain a level of dignity in public discourse.
Allegations of Anti-Dalit Sentiment
The protest took a serious turn as participants accused HD Kumaraswamy of being anti-Dalit. They condemned the personal abuse directed at Priyank Kharge, emphasizing that attacking a Dalit Home Minister was unacceptable. While defending Kharge’s record, the protesters highlighted his efficient administration and warned that if such criticism persisted, they would launch an "intense agitation" across the entire state.
Key figures leading the demonstration included Congress District President Kumar Koppa, along with Sundahalli Manjunath, Chidambar, and several other local leaders.
The Spark: What Did HD Kumaraswamy Say?
The controversy began when HD Kumaraswamy launched a scathing attack on Priyank Kharge regarding a sting operation allegedly linked to former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Kumaraswamy challenged the state government to interrogate Kharge directly rather than detaining workers from the Janata Dal (Secular).
In a direct and provocative swipe, the Union Minister questioned Kharge's authority, asking, "Does the Home Ministry belong to your father? Your father has not given you this department. It is not your father's."
Continuing his onslaught, Kumaraswamy challenged the Home Minister's courage, stating, "If you are a Home Minister, work like one. Issue me a notice if you want, if you have guts."
A Clash of Attitudes
Beyond the specific incident, Kumaraswamy criticized Kharge's overall conduct since assuming office. He urged the Home Minister to exercise restraint, claiming that Kharge needs to "control his tongue" and his attitude before attempting to advise others on public behavior.
The Union Minister claimed to have been observing Kharge's behavior for the past three to four months, alleging that the Home Minister has been continuously attacking his opponents, which prompted the sharp rebuttal that has now sparked widespread protests in Mandya.