PM Modi in Bengaluru on Sunday and an inset showing Priyank Kharge.
Credit: PTI, DH Photos
Bengaluru: A political war of words erupted between Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka and RDPR Minister Priyank Kharge on Sunday, with both leaders launching attacks against each other on X.
The clash began after Ashoka was left out of key events attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the city.
Ashoka accused Kharge, the Kalaburagi district in-charge minister, and his family of ignoring development in Kalyana Karnataka.
He claimed that if Priyank had shown the same urgency in developing the region as he did in pointing out (Ashoka’s) exclusion, the region would not be lagging.
Ashoka also targeted Mallikarjun Kharge, AICC President and Priyank’s father, saying: “The unfortunate situation where your father… has to salute the 55-year-old eternal youth and incompetent @RahulGandhi… he did not deserve that.”
He criticised the Kharge family’s loyalty to the Gandhi family, and said Mallikarjun Kharge was never made Karnataka CM. He called Priyank’s ministerial post a “consolation prize” and warned that the Kharges would always remain below the Gandhis, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar.
In reply, Priyank Kharge addressed Ashoka as “Anna” and claimed his inclusion in the PM’s events only happened after he highlighted his exclusion.
“You, who once sulked over birthday wishes, now sulk over not being invited.” He called Ashoka “junior to BY Vijayendra”, saying the inclusion was “not an honour, but a charity.”
He noted Ashoka was at the Metro launch, but not the Vande Bharat flag-off, and told him to: “Focus on your own shaky foundation!”
BJP state president B Y Vijayendra confirmed Ashoka’s name was included and said he had raised the matter with the PMO and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, adding that Dr Manjunath would also be on stage.