'Kharge is our leader': BJP's Bommai criticizes Congress over alleged misbehavior with party president

pc: timesofindia

BJP leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Friday commented on allegations of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge being denied entry during Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's nomination filing for the Wayanad by-election. Bommai said he has seen such incidents often and stressed that Kharge is an important leader in Karnataka who deserves respect. Bommai said- “Kharge ji is our leader, a big leader in the state. Even though he is in Congress, we respect him.

Responding to these allegations, Congress leader KC Venugopal claimed that Kharge was indeed present during the nomination. Venugopal told that one door was closed, due to which Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi had to wait outside for some time. Questioning the BJP's claims, he said, “How can the BJP spread such lies? Kharge was present there for the nomination.

BJP national spokesperson CR Kesavan expressed disappointment over the alleged incident, calling it “appalling” and accused the Congress of showing “gross disregard and disrespect” towards Kharge.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also hit out at the Congress, saying the incident revealed discriminatory behavior within the party.

Priyanka Gandhi filed her nomination papers at the District Collector's office in Kalpetta on Wednesday, also holding a road show with Rahul Gandhi accompanying her.

The Wayanad seat vacated by Rahul Gandhi will be contested in the by-election to be held on November 13.

Bommai also attacked the current Karnataka government and described it as “anti-people, non-performing and corrupt”. Expressing confidence in the BJP, he said, “People remember the BJP government, which was the time of development and social justice. NDA will win all three by-elections.”