Bengaluru: In a sharp attack on the Congress-led state government, Opposition Leader in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy has alleged that his personal security cover was withdrawn deliberately to intimidate him. He accused the Priyank Kharge family and the Karnataka government of targeting him for exposing corruption and government failures.
Speaking to the media at the BJP headquarters (Jagannath Bhavan) in Bengaluru, Narayanaswamy said, “The government has recalled the three security guards assigned to my residence, clearly showing a vindictive mindset. If anything happens to me, both the government and Priyank Kharge’s family will be responsible.”
He claimed the withdrawal was ordered by the State Classified Security Review Committee without proper justification. “As Leader of the Opposition, it is my duty to highlight the government’s corruption and shortcomings. Instead of ensuring my safety, the government is punishing me for speaking the truth,” he said.
Will Return Government Vehicle and Facilities
Narayanaswamy warned that unless Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G. Parameshwara explain why his security was withdrawn, he would return his government-provided vehicle and other official facilities. “I don’t need any protection. If anything happens to me, the Kharge family and this government will be held accountable,” he stated.
He further alleged that while his security was being curtailed, additional protection was being given to Priyank Kharge and Minister Mahadevappa. “Despite receiving death threats and Facebook posts threatening to burn me alive, my security was reduced. Yet, ministers’ security is being enhanced. This clearly shows political bias,” he said.
“Priyank Kharge Lacks Common Sense”
Narayanaswamy also took a personal dig at Priyank Kharge, saying, “He lacks basic common sense. He talks by reading from books but does nothing for his department. He behaves like a foreign affairs minister rather than a state cabinet member.”
He questioned Priyank’s Dalit credentials, asking, “How many from your family have fought for Dalit causes? We came up through the Dalit Sangharsha Samiti (DSS) movement. You were born with a silver spoon — don’t shed crocodile tears for Dalits.”
Narayanaswamy asserted that the government is trying to suppress the opposition’s voice. “It’s been over a year since I became Opposition Leader, yet I haven’t been allotted an official residence. Siddaramaiah fought and got one during his tenure as Opposition Leader. Why is my case being ignored?” he asked.
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