Karnataka Government Launches Investigation Into Threats Against Minister Priyank Kharge Over RSS Comments

Priyank Kharge currently serves as Karnataka's Minister for Electronics, IT/BT, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj.

Bengaluru:

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has announced that the government is treating the threat calls directed at Minister Priyank Kharge with utmost seriousness, and a comprehensive investigation has been launched to identify both the source and motivation behind these threats.

During a media interaction near his Sadashivanagar residence, Parameshwara confirmed that investigators are working diligently to trace the origin of the threatening calls. He noted that while Minister Kharge may have expressed his desire to limit Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities in government facilities, this matter remains for the government to decide.

"Threatening him for expressing his views is unacceptable. I have directed authorities to conduct a thorough investigation," Parameshwara stated.

On Wednesday, Kharge revealed that he had been receiving threatening phone calls over the previous three days following his statements advocating for restrictions on RSS activities within government educational institutions.

When questioned about rumors surrounding a dinner recently hosted by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the Home Minister clarified that the gathering had nothing to do with a potential cabinet reshuffle. "Our government has completed two-and-a-half years in office. The meeting was simply to acknowledge the good work being accomplished. No political matters were discussed," he explained.

Addressing allegations from former minister Raju Gowda regarding the alleged kidnapping of an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) by a sand smuggler in Yadgiri district, Parameshwara confirmed he has instructed the ADGP (Law and Order) to provide a comprehensive report. He assured that appropriate action would follow once the report is received.

Responding to Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's comments about road conditions, he acknowledged that repair work is currently in progress.

"It's inappropriate to criticize while repairs are actively underway. Criticism should be reserved for when work isn't being done," he remarked.

The Home Minister highlighted the recent Global Investment Conference in Karnataka as a significant success, noting that the state secured investment commitments totaling Rs 10.22 lakh crore.

He also mentioned the proposed Google AI Hub that is set to be established outside the state. "We welcome all investors interested in coming to Karnataka," he concluded.