Bengaluru, Jan 1 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday firmly rejected demands for the resignation of Information Technology Minister Priyank Kharge over the alleged suicide of contractor Sachin Panchal in Bidar.
The BJP has been pressing for Kharge’s dismissal, accusing his aide of involvement in the incident.
Addressing reporters here, Siddaramaiah challenged the validity of the BJP's allegations, asking, "Is Kharge's name mentioned in the death note? On what grounds should he resign?"
The Chief Minister emphasised that no evidence links Kharge to the case, adding that the death note mentions accusations against Raju Kapanur, an alleged aide of Kharge, but not the minister himself.
BJP leaders have drawn parallels between this case and a previous incident under their government, where former minister KS Eshwarappa resigned following allegations in a contractor’s suicide note.
Siddaramaiah dismissed the comparison, arguing, "Eshwarappa’s name was clearly mentioned in that case. This is different; there is no mention of Kharge in the note."
Kharge, for his part, maintained that he is open to an investigation. "The CID is already probing the case. Let it submit its report," he said, rejecting BJP’s calls for a CBI inquiry.
The BJP has announced plans for a largescale protest in Kalaburagi, Kharge’s hometown, on Friday. Party leaders have also threatened to stage demonstrations outside the minister’s residence in Bengaluru.
Separately, an FIR was registered against BJP leaders, including Leader of Opposition Chalavady Narayanaswamy, for a poster campaign in Bengaluru. The posters accused Kharge of responsibility for Panchal's death and highlighted alleged instances of suicides due to corruption under the Congress government. UNI BDN SSP