Karnataka’s Home Minister, G. Parameshwara, has confirmed that an inquiry is under way to identify the sources of threatening phone calls and tweets targeting Minister for Information Technology, Priyank Kharge. The threats surfaced after Kharge advocated for a ban on RSS activities in government buildings and public spaces.
Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Parameshwara stated that law enforcement would trace and apprehend those responsible for the threats. He added that Kharge had formally suggested the ban to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and the government’s decision on the matter is still pending.
Addressing Bengaluru’s Road Woes
Regarding recent criticism from IT industry leaders about Bengaluru’s potholed roads, Minister Parameshwara reassured them that repair work is actively progressing following rain damage. However, he expressed strong disapproval of what he termed politically motivated criticism aimed at discrediting the State capital’s infrastructure.
He highlighted that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who oversees Bengaluru affairs, had personally inspected the roads, allocated funds, and issued directives for urgent repairs. Parameshwara criticized political opponents for capitalizing on ongoing repair efforts, suggesting their actions could deter potential investors.
The Home Minister underscored Karnataka’s attractive investment climate, citing MoUs worth ₹10 lakh crore signed at the recent Global Investors’ Meet. He emphasized the state’s robust ecosystem, skilled workforce, and technical expertise as key draws for industry, asserting that companies would not avoid Karnataka solely due to temporary road issues. He also referenced Google’s decision to invest in Andhra Pradesh, attributing it to their own strategic reasons rather than Bengaluru’s road conditions, and noted significant industrial growth in Kolar and Tumakuru.