BJP vs BJP: Karnataka leaders lock horns over Kempegowda row
A fresh round of infighting has erupted within the Karnataka BJP after senior party leader and former Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda launched a sharp
A fresh round of infighting has erupted within the Karnataka BJP after senior party leader and former Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda launched a sharp attack on BJP MLA SR Vishwanath, accusing him of amassing wealth through the patronage of late underworld don Muthappa Rai, grabbing land and insulting the legacy of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda. Addressing reporters, Sadananda Gowda alleged that Vishwanath rose from humble beginnings to positions of power with Rai's support, grabbed land, misused his authority and later portrayed himself as an honest politician.
He also accused Vishwanath of damaging the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) during his public life. Read Full Story The former Chief Minister said no political party could claim exclusive ownership over Kempegowda's legacy and defended his decision to attend a programme held in the 16th-century ruler's name. He claimed Vishwanath had asked him not to attend the event, but he refused. Drawing a comparison to underline his point, Sadananda Gowda said, "If Pakistan were to organise an event on Kempegowda and invite me, would I go there?
That is not my mindset." He said his attendance at the event was guided by respect for Kempegowda, who, he argued, belongs to the people and not to any political party. Sadananda Gowda further alleged that some leaders had invoked Kempegowda's name to secure Vokkaliga votes before neglecting his legacy and grabbing lands associated with him. He described the remarks made against him as an insult to Kempegowda and said Vokkaligas across Karnataka, including those in Dakshina Kannada, had begun protesting against Vishwanath's comments.
The public exchange has exposed deep divisions within the Karnataka BJP, turning the controversy into a fresh BJP-versus-BJP political battle. Ends
The BriefWire