In a fiery press conference held at the Aiwan-e-Shahi Guest House in Kalaburagi on Saturday, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge launched a blistering critique of the Central Government's VB-G RAM G Act, controversially dubbing it the "Nathuram Godse Act." The minister, who also holds charge of Kalaburagi district, asserted that the legislation starkly contradicts the ideals associated with Lord Ram.
Sharp Critique of RSS Ideology and the Act
Priyank Kharge minced no words in his condemnation, drawing a sharp distinction between popular conceptions of the deity and the narrative he alleges is promoted by the Act. "This is neither Dasharatha's Ram nor Sita's Ram. This is Nathuram Godse's Ram, the Ram of RSS ideology," he stated. He accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of propagating principles that are anti-poor and designed to intoxicate the public with divisive religious stories.
Declaring the VB-G RAM G Act as unconstitutional, Kharge revealed that the Karnataka government has already passed a formal resolution opposing it. He announced the state's preparedness for a legal confrontation with the Centre over this issue. The government has decided to convene a two-day special session of the legislature to discuss the intricacies of the Act and the state's strategy in detail.
On Pending Bills and Border Security Allegations
Shifting focus to state matters, the minister addressed the delay in the governor's assent to several bills, including a pending anti-hate speech bill. He noted that while some bills had been cleared, others were still being held back. "If there are suggestions or corrections, they should be communicated. Holding back bills due to political malice is not right," Kharge remarked, expressing his dissatisfaction with the process.
When questioned about the issue of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, Priyank Kharge squarely placed the responsibility on the central government. He alleged, "If Pakistani terrorists or Bangladeshi citizens are crossing the borders, they are entering through BJP-ruled states." This comment escalated his ongoing political feud with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Accusations of a "Factory of Lies" and Legal Action
Kharge intensified his attack on the BJP, accusing the party of operating a "factory of lies" and deliberately circulating misinformation, which he claimed has compelled the Congress to file formal complaints. He cited a specific instance where a BJP social media post attempted to link him to an FIR involving a sportsperson from Yadgir.
"The athlete had not named me and does not even belong to my district," Kharge clarified, dismissing the allegation as baseless. He contended that the BJP was repeatedly making such unfounded claims to please its ideological mentor, the RSS. In response, the minister confirmed that legal proceedings have been initiated against the BJP's social media network for the post.
The press conference underscored the deepening political rift in Karnataka, with the state government gearing up for a significant administrative and legal showdown with the Centre over the contentious VB-G RAM G Act.
