"Political 'hunt' has begun from Shikaripura itself": Madhu Bangarappa
Karnataka Minister Madhu Bangarappa launches a sharp attack in Shikaripura, claiming a "political hunt" has begun to bring change via the Congress party.
Karnataka School Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa has ignited a political firestorm in Shikaripura, declaring that a "political hunt" has officially commenced from the constituency. Speaking at a major convention, the Shivamogga District In-charge Minister suggested that the electorate is ready to take charge and decide the future of their representatives through the power of the ballot.
A Call for Change and Unity
Addressing the convention organised by the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), which commemorates four years since Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra entered the state, Bangarappa painted a picture of imminent political transformation. He used a striking metaphor to describe the relationship between the party and the voters.
"If the Congress party works like a gun, people will attack with votes like bullets and bring change in Shikaripura," Bangarappa asserted.
He expressed absolute confidence that any future Congress representative from the area would function not merely as a leader, but as a servant of the people. The Minister highlighted the success of the Bharat Jodo 2.0 padyatra, noting that its five-day duration saw participation levels that far exceeded expectations, signaling strong organisational strength and public support.
Targeting 'Divide and Rule' Tactics
The Minister did not hold back when addressing his political rivals. He accused certain elements in Shikaripura of engaging in "divide and rule politics" and positioned the Congress padyatra as a direct counter-message of unity. He emphasised that the spirit of the march must reach every household to combat these divisive tactics.
Legacy of Land Rights and Farmer Support
Recalling the historical significance of the region, Bangarappa invoked the names of former Karnataka Chief Ministers Devaraj Urs and his own father, S. Bangarappa. He reminded the crowd of the vital contributions made to the farming community:
- Devaraj Urs: Credited with securing land rights for the people.
- S. Bangarappa: Noted for his historic 1990 decision to provide free pump-sets to farmers, a move he claimed was pioneering for the country at the time.
However, the Minister also raised a grievance, noting that the people of Shikaripura have yet to receive complete land rights. He called this a matter of injustice and demanded an immediate solution to the unresolved land issues in the area.
Clashes with the BJP
Bangarappa took a direct swipe at BJP leader BY Vijayendra, specifically referencing his padyatra against corruption. The Minister suggested that the public has not forgotten the ongoing corruption investigations involving Vijayendra's father, implying that the people are now ready to judge such leaders at the polls.
Concluding his address, he warned opponents against attempting to weaken the party organisation, stating that while the Congress does not aim to speak ill of others, it is fully prepared to respond politically to any challenges in Shikaripura.