Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha M. Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday attributed criticism aimed at himself and his son, Priyank Kharge, by some former Congress leaders who are now with the BJP to “jealousy”.
“They are spewing venom as they are unable to digest the impressive political growth of Social Welfare Minister Priyank Kharge,” Mr. Mallikarjun Kharge said.
Speaking to presspersons here, he said, “There is a cure for every disease in the world, but not for jealousy”.
“The same leaders [Malikayya Guttedar and Baburao Chinchansur], who criticise Mr. Priyank Kharge, actually forced him to contest the Assembly election from Chittapur after I got elected as an MP and resigned from the MLA’s post. Now, they have animosity towards him and are jealous of his rise in the constituency and across the State,” he said.
To a question, he said Mr. Priyank Kharge was given the ministerial berth for the second time owing to his accomplishments. A group of senior leaders had left no stone unturned to defeat Mr. Priyank Kharge in the Assembly election, but they did not succeed, he claimed.
On Public Works Minister H.D. Revanna’s remarks against actor Sumalatha, Mr. Mallikarjun Kharge said they were in a bad taste. The Minister should have minded his language, he added.
Mr. Mallikarjun Kharge also cautioned leaders of the coalition not to make any controversial remarks.
