Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council, R. Ashoka, has launched a sharp critique against Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. He has accused her of maintaining a conspicuous silence on the rights and issues concerning Kannadigas while being quick to lobby for the appointment of a Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Kerala.
Ashoka's Accusation of Selective Advocacy
Ashoka's comments came in response to Priyanka Gandhi's recent social media post, where she questioned the delay in appointing a Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala assembly. The Congress leader had argued that denying the LoP position undermines democracy. However, Ashoka turned the spotlight back on the Congress's record in Karnataka.
He pointedly asked why Priyanka Gandhi has never spoken up for the rights of Kannadigas or raised her voice against the various problems faced by the people of Karnataka. Ashoka framed this as a pattern of the Congress party prioritizing its political interests in states where it is in opposition, while neglecting its duties in states where it holds power.
Contrasting Congress's Stance in Kerala vs Karnataka
The BJP leader drew a direct comparison between the Congress's vigorous advocacy in Kerala and its perceived inaction in Karnataka. He emphasized that the people of Karnataka are observing this "double standard" closely. According to Ashoka, the Congress government in Karnataka, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has failed to address critical issues such as water scarcity, farmer distress, and overall development, yet top party leaders from Delhi show no concern.
"She is tweeting for Kerala. Why is she not tweeting for Kannadigas?" Ashoka questioned, highlighting the perceived disparity in attention. He suggested that the Congress's activism is reserved for states where it seeks to gain political mileage against the BJP, rather than being a consistent democratic principle.
Political Repercussions and State Sentiment
This attack is seen as part of the BJP's broader strategy to corner the Congress on issues of regional bias and administrative failure. By invoking "Kannadiga rights," Ashoka is tapping into sub-nationalist sentiment, aiming to portray the national Congress leadership as disconnected from Karnataka's local realities. The implication is that leaders like Priyanka Gandhi are quick to intervene in other states' affairs but remain passive when the Congress government in Karnataka faces criticism.
The controversy sheds light on the ongoing political tussle where every action of a national leader is scrutinized for evidence of favoritism or neglect towards specific states. Ashoka's remarks are designed to put the Congress on the defensive, forcing it to explain its selective outrage and its governance record in its own ruled states.
Deepening the Political Fault Line
The exchange deepens the existing political fault lines between the BJP and the Congress, especially in the southern states. For the BJP, which is working to strengthen its footprint in South India, such narratives help challenge the Congress's credibility as a pan-India party that treats all states equally. The charge of neglecting Kannadigas while championing the cause in Kerala is a potent one, meant to resonate with the local electorate.
As of now, there has been no direct response from Priyanka Gandhi or the Karnataka Congress to Ashoka's specific allegations. However, this episode is likely to fuel further political debate, with both sides preparing to leverage it in their ongoing battle for public opinion in Karnataka and beyond.
