Bengaluru: BJP MLC and Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy on Saturday alleged that the Congress government was orchestrating intimidation tactics against him, claiming that orders for knives were continuing to arrive at his residence.
Speaking to reporters at his Bengaluru residence, Narayanaswamy said around 15 such orders had been received since Saturday morning. He alleged that Congress workers had repeatedly visited his house over the past week and created disturbances.
According to him, the matter had already been brought to the attention of the police commissioner. Security arrangements, including the installation of barricades, had also been made near his residence in view of the developments.
Accusing Minister Priyank Kharge of being behind the alleged intimidation attempts, Narayanaswamy said he would not be deterred by such tactics and would continue his political activities.
He maintained that his fight would remain within the framework of the Constitution and democratic principles, asserting that threats and intimidation would not silence him.
Narayanaswamy targets Priyank Kharge
Launching a strong attack on Priyank Kharge, Narayanaswamy accused the minister of using Dalit issues for political advantage without genuinely working for the welfare of the community.
He questioned the minister’s approach to issues concerning Dalits and alleged that his political statements and actions did not reflect the interests of the community.
However, Narayanaswamy clarified that he continued to respect Priyank Kharge’s father and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.
The BJP leader also criticised Priyank Kharge over his remarks against BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra, accusing the minister of engaging in unnecessary political attacks.
He further alleged that Priyank’s political conduct had adversely affected his father’s electoral prospects in the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Kalaburagi.
The remarks have added another dimension to the political confrontation between the BJP and Congress in Karnataka, particularly over allegations of intimidation and the use of political influence.
BJP leader predicts NDA victory in Karnataka
Narayanaswamy also expressed confidence that the Congress government would be replaced in the next Karnataka Assembly election.
Predicting a change of government, he said the BJP and JD(S) would contest the election together under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) banner.
He claimed that the alliance would secure 150 seats in the next Assembly election and form the government in the state.
The BJP leader’s prediction comes amid continuing political exchanges between the ruling Congress and opposition parties over governance, community issues and the political future of Karnataka.
BJP SC Morcha stages protest at Freedom Park
Meanwhile, BJP Scheduled Caste Morcha workers staged a protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Saturday, condemning the alleged sending of knives and other sharp weapons to Narayanaswamy’s residence.
The protesters raised slogans against the Congress government and demanded action over the alleged incidents.
The protest was organised to express solidarity with the BJP leader and condemn what party workers described as attempts to intimidate him.
MLA Cement Manju, former MLA Y. Sampangi and former deputy mayor S. Harish were among those who participated in the demonstration.
The protesters criticised the alleged incidents and called for appropriate action by the authorities.
The controversy has intensified the political exchange between the BJP and Congress in Karnataka, with Narayanaswamy maintaining that he would continue his political fight through constitutional and democratic means.
The allegations regarding the knife orders and the involvement of Congress workers remain claims made by the BJP leader and have not been independently established.