Karnataka Congress leader BK Hariprasad has defended Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for his controversial comments about the father of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that the comments were ideological criticism and not a personal fight. Hariprasad also announced plans for protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, including a major demonstration in Bengaluru on November 5.
Referring to the controversy in detail, Hariprasad criticised the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), saying Kharge’s comments should be understood in the context of ideological differences between the political camps. He also accused BJP leaders of making personal attacks against Congress leaders in the past.
BK Hariprasad Defends Kharge’s Statement
Hariprasad said Kharge had not personally insulted anyone but had made a political and ideological argument. Speaking about *pitrubhoomi* (fatherland) and *punyabhoomi* (sacred land), he said Kharge’s comments were not directed at anyone’s personal character but at an ideological position.
Hariprasad also cited past political exchanges between Congress and BJP leaders to argue that personal remarks have been part of political discourse across parties. He highlighted derogatory words that have been used against the Congress leaders and recalled remarks made by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
He said Kharge should not be accused of personal disrespect simply for criticising the ideological positions of his political opponents.
The row has once again highlighted the ever more bitter relations between the Congress and the BJP. Statements about political leaders and their families often lead to heated exchanges between the two parties, which both parties say are outside the boundaries of political debate.
The exact context and wording of Kharge’s original remarks remain important in assessing the controversy. Hariprasad’s comments are his defence of the Congress president and his interpretation of the statement.
Congress Plans Major Protest Against SIR on November 5
Hariprasad also outlined the Congress party’s plans to escalate its campaign against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
He said there would be a large-scale protest in Bengaluru on November 5 as part of the broad opposition campaign. Hariprasad claimed leaders in the INDIA opposition alliance, including representatives of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), would be participating.
He also referred to a planned protest at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi and urged party members to take part in the campaign against SIR.
The Congress has voiced doubts about the electoral roll revision process under the slogans “Vote Chori,” “Desh Bachao” and “Vote Bachao.” The party insists it is there to protect voting rights and to raise people’s awareness about electoral procedures.
District and Block-Level Demonstrations Planned
Hariprasad said the Congress leadership had already issued a two-month programme for protests at district and block levels. The campaign would be taken across Karnataka rather than just in Bengaluru.
Under the plan, party workers have been instructed to organise demonstrations in front of statues of Mahatma Gandhi or Dr B.R. Ambedkar in their areas. Protesters are then expected to proceed to the offices of district commissioners and submit memorandums outlining their demands.
These demonstrations will form part of the party’s wider effort to galvanise workers and opposition groups against SIR.
Hariprasad said that the programme would be implemented continuously during the two months and that activities would be planned for every district and block. INDIA alliance partners would also provide the campaign with a broader opposition presence.
What Is the Special Intensive Revision?
The Special Intensive Revision is a procedure for reviewing and updating electoral lists. Such exercises can involve checking voter records and verifying eligibility to help maintain accurate electoral lists.
Political disagreements can arise over how the process is run, when voters are notified, and whether eligible voters are unable to remain on the rolls. The Congress has framed its opposition to the current exercise around voter rights and alleged electoral irregularities.
The impact of any revision depends on the procedures adopted by election authorities and how they are implemented. Claims about irregularities or the exclusion of eligible voters require examination against official records and evidence.
Political Debate and Electoral Mobilisation
Hariprasad’s remarks combine two major issues in Karnataka politics: Kharge’s statement and the Congress campaign against SIR.
The first involves differing interpretations of political rhetoric, and the second is the electoral roll revision process and the opposition’s mobilisation strategy.
The Bengaluru demonstration will be part of a wider campaign aimed at district and block-level protests. The party’s next steps will be determined by how well the campaign is organised and the response from opposition partners and election authorities.
For now, Hariprasad has maintained the Congress stance that Kharge’s remarks were ideological criticism and that party workers should take part in the upcoming demonstrations against SIR.
Comments