’Insult to Dalits’: Congress on BJP leader’s ’burnt and black’ remark

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Aug 02, 2023: The Karnataka Congress has filed a police complaint against BJP MLA and former state minister Araga Jnanendra’s "racist" comments against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. The party has called Jnanendra’s remarks an "insult to the entire Dalit community".

 

On Tuesday, former Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra, during his protest against Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre’s comments on the Kasturirangan report, said the people from Bidar turn pitch black due to the scorching sun and their plight is understood "if we look at Kharge".

Addressing the protest gathering at his constituency in Shivamogga district, Jnanendra said, "It’s our misfortune that every forest minister is from territories that don’t have forests and have no idea about plants and trees."

"They do not understand the problems of Malnad people," the BJP leader said while targeting Khandre, who hails from Bidar.

"People from that region (Bidar) turn pitch black under the scorching sun. They look burnt and are black in complexion. It’s evident by seeing Kharge. He appears presentable since his head provides him some shade," he added.

Jnanendra, along with other BJP workers, was protesting against Khandre’s statement that the government would implement the Kasturirangan committee report. The Kasturirangan report proposes 37 per cent of the total area of the Western Ghats to be declared as an eco-sensitive area (ESA), which was earlier suggested to be 64 per cent, according to Gadgil report.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Karnataka Congress said, “Araga Jnanendra insulted Shri Mallikarjun Kharge about his complexion. He represents the BJP’s low-level mindset. These remarks about his complexion are not just an insult to Kharge, they are an insult to the entire Dalit community."

Demanding the BJP to expel Janendra and prove their respect towards Dalits, the Congress said, "There have been movements globally to get rid of exploitation and humiliation based on colour. And in western countries, insulting people about their complexion and physical appearance is seen as a crime. But the BJP here sees it as a matter of pride to insult the Dalits, their complexion and appearance.

"If the BJP has the slightest respect for Dalits, it should expel Jnanendra and he should apologise to Mallikarjun Kharge and Dalits," Karnataka Congress added.

Courtesy: India Today