BJP to stage protest on January 4 demanding Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge's resignation over contractor's suicide

BENGALURU: The Karnataka unit of BJP has planned a demonstration on January 4 in Kalaburagi, demanding the resignation of Karnataka IT and BT minister Priyank Kharge. The protest stems from the alleged suicide case of Bidar-based contractor Sachin Panchal, with claims connecting the incident to the minister's office.

In response to the planned protest in his home district, the Karnataka minister stated that he welcomes the demonstration, whilst noting that subsequent actions would be determined by the protesters' conduct.

"I welcome them. We will arrange everything for them. If they behave properly, we will serve them water and coconut water. If they misbehave, we will send them to jail," Kharge said.

Other Karnataka ministers also weighed in on the issue. Sharan Prakash Patil, State Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development, criticised the BJP's actions, stating, "The BJP has no other work. As an opposition, they have failed in their duty to highlight public issues. They are targeting ministers and people who have made allegations against them and who have exposed them. So they are trying to take revenge on Priyank (Kharge), and he has nothing to do with it. They can protest, but there is no case."

Meanwhile, State labour minister Santosh Lad responded to the BJP's protest, saying, "This is the only thing that the BJP would do... What has happened is very sad, but in what way is Priyank Kharge involved in it? There are so many railway accidents happening day in and day out. Should the concerned minister resign for this?. Now they will take it politically. We welcome them (the protesters) definitely."

The incident emerged following the controversy over contractor Sachin's alleged suicide, which the BJP attributed to reported intimidation and harassment by Raju Kapanur, a close associate of minister Priyank Kharge.

Priyank Kharge, however, refuted all accusations related to the matter.

The BJP additionally asserted that contractors in the state are experiencing hardships under the Congress administration. The party stated that financial difficulties and pressure are leading contractors to take their own lives.

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