Karnataka Minister and Congress stalwart Priyank Kharge revealed on Thursday that he had been targeted with a threatening letter bearing casteist slurs and veiled threats of violence from individuals he referred to as "manuvadis." The missive, which Kharge disclosed had been delivered to his office, ominously suggested the possibility of an "encounter" aimed at him.
In addition to the menacing language, the letter contained derogatory remarks regarding Kharge's Dalit heritage, adding another layer of discrimination to the threatening communication.
Expressing his dismay and defiance against such intimidation tactics, Priyank Kharge took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his experience, condemning the attempt to silence him based on his background. He underscored his unwavering identity as a Dalit, regardless of his political stature as an MLA or Minister. Kharge also noted the abusive language directed at his family and pledged to confront this affront to his dignity.
Kharge wasted no time in taking legal action, informing that a formal complaint had been lodged at the Vidhana Soudha police station. He pointed fingers at the BJP, alleging their complicity in orchestrating the threat letter. Kharge further appealed to Kalaburagi MP Umesh Jadhav to intervene promptly and address the matter with the seriousness it warranted.
Drawing attention to the broader context of political violence and intimidation, Kharge highlighted the disturbing trend of rewarding individuals with questionable backgrounds in electoral politics. He cited an instance from the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections where, according to Kharge, the BJP had fielded a candidate who had allegedly threatened his family, emphasizing the urgency of holding such individuals accountable.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Priyank Kharge reiterated his commitment to speaking out against injustice despite the threats, emphasizing that the issue had been formally reported to law enforcement authorities, with a FIR lodged in response. He characterized the incident as an attempt to suppress the voices of Dalits and prevent their participation in politics or social advancement, vowing not to be silenced by such tactics.
