Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jan 24: There has been widespread resentment at the fact that the social welfare department headed by minster, Priyank Kharge, went ahead with its programme at a private hotel on Tuesday in spite of the fact that the government had announced mourning on account of Sri Shivakumara Swamiji's death. Leader of the opposition in the council, Kota Srinivas Poojary, and other BJP leaders have demanded the ouster of minister, Priyank Kharge, from the state ministry for falsely announcing that the programme had been suspended and then going ahead with it clandestinely.

Speaking to media persons, Srinivas Poojary accused the social welfare department of having gone ahead with 'conversations of the constitution' programme during the mourning period at a huge cost. "The programme was held although the government had declared holiday and mourning. This is like insulting the Swamiji. Therefore, Kharge's resignation should be sought, and the chief minister should tender apology to the people of the sate," he said.

Deputy leader of the opposition, Y A Narayanaswamy, felt that Kharge had exhibited his arrogant attitude by inviting Kanhaiya Kumar, who had raised anti India slogans, and disputed leader, Asaduddin Owaisi, to speak at the programme. "Priyank Kharge went ahead with this programme, by way of challenge to the chief minister. He falsely claimed that the programme had been suspended, but secretly continued with it. He has become overconfident because of the support of his father, Mallikarjun Kharge," he felt.

Speaking at Huballi, former chief minster, Jagadish Shettar, criticized Kharge. "When the state was mourning, Kharge invited people who condemn India, to speak at the programme. This is condemnable. The government should expel the minister immediately. Priyank Kharge appears to have done this as a challange and has rightly depicted the mindset of Congress leaders," he felt.