Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge responded sharply to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday after the latter cited a tragic incident from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s childhood during a rally at Achalpur in Maharashtra.
Adityanath had referenced violence by the Hyderabad Nizam’s Razakars, alleging they “burned your (Mallikarjun Kharge’s) village” and inflicted brutal acts on his family.
“The Hyderabad Nizam’s Razakars burnt your (Mallikarjun Kharge) village, brutally killed Hindus, and burnt your respected mother, sister, your family members. Present this truth before the country that whenever they are divided, they will be divided in the same brutal manner,” said Adityanath.
In his response, Priyank Kharge clarified that while the Razakars committed such atrocities, “it was not the entire Muslim community. Every community has bad apples and individuals who do wrong.”
The Karnataka Minister claimed, despite the traumatic past, his father, Mallikarjun Kharge, rose to become an eminent leader without using the tragedy for political gains, fighting instead to uphold the constitution against “tyranny and hatred.”
Priyank questioned Adityanath’s focus on divisive rhetoric, saying it only showcases an ideology that “fails to see Kharge Ji as equal.”
He criticised Adityanath for trying to exploit Mallikarjun Kharge’s caste background, reminding him that discrimination by a few doesn’t define an entire group.
Priyank also asserted that Adityanath cannot bulldoze Mallikarjun Kharge’s principles or ideology.
“Try winning elections on PM Modi ji’s ‘achievement’ instead of trying to sow seeds of hatred in society for political gains,” the Karnataka Minister concluded his tweet.
