Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge strongly criticised the BJP over the ‘BSY Abhimanotsava’ programme, organised in the name of former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa.

Speaking to presspersons at the Kalyana Karnataka Human Resources, Agriculture and Cultural Association office in Kalaburagi city on Saturday (May 9), Mr. Kharge said the event is a BJP party programme, and the Congress has nothing to say about it directly. However, he pointed out that several questions and objections regarding the programme are being raised by BJP leaders themselves.

He said some voices within the BJP have questioned the decision to organise such a large event in Mr. Yediyurappa’s name despite various allegations already being discussed in public life. These concerns are internal opinions coming from within the BJP, and the party leadership should answer them, Mr Kharge expressed.

The Minister added that the BJP is focusing more on publicity campaigns because of a lack of strong leadership within the party. He said even BJP MLAs are openly discussing leadership-related concerns.

Mr. Kharge said the BJP today is struggling with a clear lack of strong and united leadership in the State. He claimed the party has become heavily dependent on image-building programmes, publicity events, and emotional campaigns because it is unable to project a confident next-generation leadership.

He said the most significant sign of this crisis is that BJP leaders and legislators themselves are openly raising questions and disagreements. “When leaders within the BJP itself are questioning decisions and leadership choices, it clearly shows the party is struggling to maintain internal confidence and stability,” he asserted.

Mr. Kharge also launched a wider attack on the BJP, accusing it of misusing institutions like the Election Commission, Enforcement Directorate, and CBI for political advantage. He challenged the BJP to face elections without the support of central agencies and said democracy must function through transparent and fair elections.

He alleged that Governors in several States are behaving like puppets in the hands of the BJP instead of acting independently.

Responding to allegations that the Congress has “betrayed” the DMK in Tamil Nadu, the Minister defended the Congress party’s decision, stating that the Congress’s support to TVK was based on the views of local leaders and the broader objective of keeping communal forces away from power.