In a dramatic escalation of political tensions in Karnataka, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the Congress party and Minister Priyank Kharge of orchestrating a violent attack on senior BJP leader and Legislative Council Opposition Leader Chaluvadi Narayanaswamy. The incident, which unfolded in Chittapur on May 20, has sparked statewide outrage, prompting the BJP to seek Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s immediate intervention.
According to reports, Narayanaswamy was allegedly surrounded and assaulted by a group of Congress supporters after he made remarks comparing Priyank Kharge to a dog—a statement he later clarified as a traditional proverb misinterpreted with malicious intent. The situation turned volatile outside the Chittapur government guest house, where Congress workers reportedly hurled ink, eggs, and stones at Narayanaswamy’s vehicle while raising threatening slogans.
BJP Seeks Governor’s Intervention
On May 21, a BJP delegation led by Opposition Leader R Ashoka met Governor Gehlot at Raj Bhavan, submitting a formal memorandum urging the immediate dismissal of Priyank Kharge from the state cabinet. The memorandum also demanded disciplinary action against the officials who failed to prevent the mob violence.
“This is not just political hooliganism—it’s state-sponsored goondaism. If a Leader of the Opposition can be attacked in broad daylight, what safety can the common man expect under Congress rule?” Ashoka asked during a press briefing following the meeting.
Chaluvadi Narayanaswamy Alleges Murder Conspiracy
In a scathing statement, Narayanaswamy accused the Congress party of plotting to physically eliminate him. He claimed that over 100 Congress workers surrounded the guest house, and police stood by silently, allegedly under pressure from political bosses.
“I was tailed by four to five cars the entire day. Later, I was locked inside the IB guest house for five hours. Drunken goons came with stones, eggs, and ink to assault me. If anything happens to me, Priyank Kharge and the Congress government will be directly responsible,” he said.
Narayanaswamy also alleged that even after contacting senior police officers and the Home Minister, no action was taken. He accused the police of indirectly cooperating with the assailants by not allowing him to safely exit the premises.
“When Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s car was pelted with eggs in Kodagu, he remained calm. Why is he silent now when a senior legislator is attacked?” he questioned.
BJP Alleges Political Vendetta Over Land Scam Revelations
Narayanaswamy further alleged that the attack was a premeditated retaliation for his exposure of irregularities related to a land deal involving Priyank Kharge. According to him, the minister orchestrated the mob attack to silence dissent.
“This is nothing but political vengeance. I brought Kharge’s land scam to light, and now they want to shut me up permanently,” he charged.
The BJP has announced that it will escalate the matter to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, citing a serious threat to the life of a sitting legislator and a complete breakdown of law and order in the state.
Congress Remains Tight-Lipped
While Congress leaders have remained largely silent on the incident, sources indicate internal discussions are underway regarding the fallout from the episode. Minister Priyank Kharge, at the centre of the controversy, has so far refrained from issuing a detailed response.
Observers note that the escalating tension could prove costly for the Congress in the coming Lok Sabha bypolls and state-level political equations, especially as it faces allegations of suppressing opposition voices through intimidation.
