The allegations of political conspiracies, including even a murder plot, and the threats to file defamation suits have marked the raging war of words between Bhagwanth Khuba, the Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy and Chemicals and Fertilisers, and Prabhu Chauhan, a four-time BJP MLA, in Karnataka, as their long-running feud continues to escalate. The conflict between the two BJP leaders – both from Aurad in Bidar district – has turned into a major worry for the Karnataka party unit, especially after the party’s poor performance in the May Assembly polls that saw the Congress ousting it from power. It all began a week ago, when Chauhan – a former animal husbandry minister in the previous Basavaraj Bommai-led BJP government – levelled serious allegations against the Union Minister at a local party meeting. Chauhan claimed that Khuba had allegedly asked his goons to kill him. “Road pe aake goli maar do usko. Aisa. Tere saath gunde hai bhaiya, tu maar sakta hai, maar de. Mereko maarde (Shoot him down in the street. This (he said). You (Khuba) have goons with you and you can kill me. Kill me),” he had then purportedly charged in his speech. The speech, videos of which went viral a few days later, came as a shock to the state BJP. Khuba denied his party colleague’s allegations. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the Union Minister said: “Last week, Chauhan accused me of a conspiracy to murder him and made other allegations. I was shocked by it. I, my family members and well-wishers were hurt. I am still in shock,” he said outside a temple, adding that he was paying respects there to leave everything to God. Earlier, Khuba had claimed that such allegations stemmed from the point that Chauhan did not want anyone else to grow politically in Bidar district. “The allegations made against me (on August 9) are taken seriously by state and national leaders. I will file a Rs 100-crore defamation case if the party permits,” the two-time MP said, adding that Chauhan, a leader from the Lambani community, was the “victim of a Congress toolkit”. “Congress realises that it is difficult to defeat me. So, they are using our own people against me.” Chauhan was quick in his retort, claiming his allegation of a murder plot by Khuba was “true” and that he had written to the local superintendent of police on the matter. The police, however, are yet to launch an investigation into the allegation. “In Aurad constituency, he tried to assault me. . He has alleged that I had an understanding with Congress. Due to this, I and my family are affected. I can tolerate anything, but if you say I am against the party (I cannot). . I will file a Rs 200-crore (defamation suit). Is the law only for him and not for me?” Chauhan said. As the bitter spat threatened to spiral out of control, state BJP general secretary N Ravi Kumar said the party was aware of the issue and would hold a meeting with the two leaders soon. “The party is aware of it. Party leaders will convene a meeting and ensure that the issue is addressed,” Kumar told The Indian Express. According to BJP sources, tensions between the two party leaders have simmered over the past four to five years, mainly over the issue of granting tenders and other personal reasons. Chauhan had contended in the past that there were attempts to defeat him in the 2018 and 2023 Assembly polls at Khuba’s behest. The BJP MLA was in tears after the 2023 Assembly results of the Aurad constituency were announced, saying he managed to retain his seat even though Khuba had allegedly asked around 300 local party workers to join the Congress.
