'Kharge is our leader': BJP's Bommai slams Congress over alleged mistreatment of party president

NEW DELHI: BJP leader and former Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj Bommai addressed allegations on Friday regarding Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge being denied entry during Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's nomination filing for the Wayanad bypolls.

Bommai said that he has seen such incidents frequently and emphasised that Kharge is a significant leader in Karnataka, deserving of respect.

"We have seen it so many times, publicly also. Kharge ji is our leader, a big leader in the state. Even though he is in Congress, we respect him," Bommai said.

Responding to these allegations, Congress leader KC Venugopal asserted that Kharge was, in fact, present during the nomination. Venugopal explained that a door was locked, causing Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi to wait briefly outside. He questioned the BJP's claims, saying, "How can the BJP spread these types of lies? Kharge was present there for the nomination."

BJP national spokesperson CR Kesavan expressed dismay over the alleged incident, calling it "appalling" and accusing Congress of showing "utter disdain and disrespect" towards Kharge.

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also targeted Congress, suggesting that the incident revealed discriminatory practices within the party.

Priyanka Gandhi filed her nomination papers at the district collector's office in Kalpetta on Wednesday, accompanied by a roadshow with Rahul Gandhi.

The Wayanad seat, vacated by Rahul Gandhi, will be contested in a by-poll scheduled for November 13.

Bommai also attacked the current Karnataka government, describing it as "anti-people, non-performing, and corrupt." He expressed confidence in the BJP, saying, "People remember the BJP government, a time of development and social justice. NDA will win all three by-polls."

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