Ex-Karnataka BJP minister makes ‘objectionable’ remark against Cong president Kharge, later apologises

While participating in a protest against the implementation of the Kasturirangan report on Western Ghats, Jnanendra said, “People who are in power are not from the Malnad region and do not know anything about the woes and lifestyle of people here.”

The Congress termed Jnanendra’s remarks as ‘anti-Dalit’. It also carried out a protest in Bengaluru condemning the former minister’s statement. (Photo: Twitter/@JnanendraAraga)

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Former home minister and BJP leader Araga Jnanendra Tuesday stirred a controversy by making an ‘objectionable’ remark against Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge.

While participating in a protest against the implementation of the Kasturirangan report on Western Ghats, Jnanendra said, “People who are in power are not from the Malnad region and do not know anything about the woes and lifestyle of people here.” He then went on to make the objectionable statement.

The Congress termed Jnanendra’s remarks as ‘anti-Dalit’. It also carried out a protest in Bengaluru condemning the former minister’s statement.

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Later in the day, Jnanendra expressed regret for his comments, claiming that he did not intend to target Kharge specifically.

Jnanendra represents the Thirthahalli Assembly constituency in the Malnad region which is abutted by the Western Ghats. Kharge hails from the Kalaburagi division in north Karnataka.

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