Former Kalaburagi MP Umesh Jadhav has fiercely criticized Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge’s recent statements regarding the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Jadhav accused Minister Kharge of intentionally targeting the patriotic organization to divert public attention from his own administrative failings and the stagnant development projects within the district.
Speaking to the press in Kalaburagi on Wednesday, Dr. Jadhav emphasized that Kharge’s comments about the RSS had deeply offended national sentiment. He lauded the RSS for its significant contributions to nation-building, highlighting it as the primary organization consistently ready to serve the country during times of crisis.
Dr. Jadhav challenged Congress leaders who criticize the RSS to present a single instance of disloyal conduct by any of its volunteers. He further stated, “If Mr. Priyank Kharge and other Congress leaders genuinely disagree with the RSS ideology, they should publicly declare their refusal to accept votes from RSS supporters and those who proudly chant ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai.’”
Prioritizing District Development
Instead of merely holding press conferences during his visits to Kalaburagi, Dr. Jadhav urged Minister Kharge to fulfill his duties as the district’s in-charge minister and focus on resolving local issues. Jadhav alleged that the district’s progress has been severely hampered over the past two and a half years due to Kharge’s infrequent conduct of DISHA and Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) meetings, noting that he has chaired only one KDP meeting, while MP Radhakrishna Doddamani has not held any DISHA meetings.
Adding to the criticism, former legislator Rajkumar Patil Telkur called for Minister Kharge’s resignation, citing his failure to effectively manage the flood situation in Kalaburagi district. Telkur pointed out that recent floods have left farmers in a desperate state, grappling with extensive crop and livestock losses and severe financial difficulties. He stressed that the Minister should address these pressing concerns rather than making remarks about the RSS solely to gain political advantage or to appease the Congress high command.
Mr. Telkur further asserted, “If Mr. Kharge and the Congress-led government are unwilling to take action against those who raise slogans in favor of Pakistan, then they have no moral authority to comment on the RSS.” He also highlighted the recent suicide of a librarian in Sedam taluk due to unpaid salaries and alleged harassment by officials, demanding that Kharge take immediate action against those responsible for her death. Telkur specifically called for the suspension of the Taluk Executive Officer, Panchayat Development Officer, and police officials who allegedly attempted to conceal the suicide note found at the scene.
In a final jab, Mr. Telkur quipped that Kharge might be nurturing ambitions of becoming Deputy Chief Minister or Chief Minister in the anticipated “November Revolution,” which explains his resort to such tactics and criticism of the RSS organization.
The press conference was also attended by MLA Basavaraj Mattimod, Avinash Jadhav, former legislator Dattatraya Patil Revoor, former Minister Baburao Chavan, and former MLC Amarnath Patil.