Seek resignations of BJP leaders booked in cases first, Priyank tells Vijayendra

Bengaluru: Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge on Sunday suggested BJP state president B Y Vijayendra to first seek his father B Y Yediyurappa’s resignation over his alleged involvement in a Pocso case and those of BJP leaders like Munirathna, C T Ravi, against whom cases are booked.

Speaking to reporters, Priyank asserted that there was no need for him to resign as there was no case registered against him in any manner. 

The BJP has been demanding the minister’s resignation, saying that his aide Raju Kapnoor is named in the death note of contractor Sachin Panchal, who died by suicide. 

“I am asking him (Vijayendra) and his party four questions. Which of his MLA is running an IPL betting racket in Kalaburagi? Which leader of his party is involved in stealing rice and milk powder meant for the poor in the district? Which leader of his party is running the sand mining mafia in Jewargi and was responsible for the mowing down of a police constable? The BJP says Raju Kapnoor is my close associate. Was he not part of the BJP in the past? Was he not heading the BJP’s state SC morcha?,” Priyank said. 

The minister demanded that Vijayendra answer these questions first, before making charges against him.

“If Vijayendra continues to make such accusations, he will only demean his post. He is not just an MLA, but also the president of the state unit of a national party. He cannot speak like a commoner,” he said. “I am open for a free and fair investigation,” Priyank said.  

He alleged that the BJP and RSS were targeting him only because he was strongly opposed to Manusmrithi and RSS’ hidden agenda. 

“In the alleged death note of Sachin Panchal, there is no mention of my name. So, why should I resign?” the minister said.