‘Village Idiot’: Priyank Kharge Hits Back at Kumaraswamy Over ‘Unfit’ Remark

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy, calling him a “village idiot” and accusing him of making allegations and personal remarks on a daily basis.

Kharge was responding to Kumaraswamy's remarks on Tuesday that he was “unfit to be Home Minister”. The JD(S) leader had alleged that the investigation into the purported sting operation targeting former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was being derailed due to pressure from Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Kharge.

Kumaraswamy had also claimed that an email sent by a woman from Kerala to the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights had gone missing.

Questioning the Union Minister's understanding of official procedures, Kharge said the police would have no knowledge of an email sent privately unless the Commission informed them or lodged a complaint.

“The police will know only if the Commission files a complaint or informs them that such an email has been received. They will begin their work once the Commission reports it,” he said. Taking a swipe at Kumaraswamy, Kharge questioned whether a former chief minister and a sitting Union Minister lacked an understanding of basic procedures.

He also dismissed Kumaraswamy's assessment of his suitability for the Home portfolio, saying he did not need a certificate from the Union Minister and that the people would decide his performance.

Kharge further challenged Kumaraswamy's political standing, claiming the JD(S) leader had failed to win 100 seats in the previous election and would not achieve the target in the next one either.

On the alleged sting operation targeting Siddaramaiah, Kharge said the police had recorded the necessary information and would disclose the findings after completing the investigation. Once the probe is concluded and a chargesheet is filed, the details will automatically become part of a public document, he added.