Priyank questions BJP leaders’ silence over Chalavadi’s ‘barking dog’ remark

Bengaluru: Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge launched a sharp criticism against the BJP leaders on Friday, questioning their silence over offensive remarks made by Chalvadi Narayanaswamy, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council.

In a pointed post on X, Priyank sought to know why BJP state president B Y Vijayendra and Opposition Leader in the Assembly R Ashoka have not condemned Narayanaswamy’s use of the term “barking dog” in reference to him.

Kharge wrote, “This Manuvadi Narayanaswamy now claims he was merely quoting a proverb - a vachana of Basavanna - and questions why I should assume he meant it about me. But in Kalburgi, he first called me a ‘barking dog’ and then later expressed regret. Narayanaswamy changes his words every time - is it that your tongue is uncontrollable, or is it your mind?”

He further mocked Narayanaswamy, stating, “If you and a chameleon were in a competition to change colours, the win would be yours!”

Addressing BJP leaders directly, Kharge asked, “To @BYVijayendra and @RAshokaBJP, who seem to be nodding along with Narayanaswamy’s words — do you and your party approve of this ‘dog’ insult? Do you condone such low-level political culture?”

Accusing the BJP of double standards and a penchant for personal attacks, Kharge challenged the party leaders: “If from tomorrow we start calling you and your leaders ‘dogs’, ‘foxes’, or ‘pigs’, would you accept it happily?”