“Plot to Kill Kharge & Family” Launched by BJP; Alleges Cong Leader Surjewala

Bengaluru: Congress on Saturday came up with a grave allegation that the BJP leaders had started a “sinister and “ugly plot” to “kill” its party President Mallikarjun Kharge and his family.

Congress leaders played an audio clip at a press conference in Bengaluru, claiming that the BJP candidate from Chittapur, Manikanth Rathod used derogatory language for Kharge and could be heard talking about eliminating him and his family.

“BJP leaders are now hatching a plot to murder Mallikarjun Kharge and his family members. This is now clear from the recording of BJP’s candidate from Chittapur who also happens to be the blue-eyed boy of PM Modi and chief minister Bommai,” Congress leader Randeep Surjewala said.

Pawan Khera was also present at this Congress presser. As per a Congress statement, “the brazen hatred of the BJP towards Kannadigas is manifesting itself into a ‘Murder Plot’ to kill Karnataka’s Son of the Soil, Kharge”.

Manikanth Rathod Rathod was arrested on November 13, 2022 for allegedly threatening Priyank Kharge, who is the Congress candidate in Chittapur, with murder and later, released on bail.

In a media conference then, he had openly expressed his readiness to shoot down Priyank Kharge.

“On May 2, BJP MLA and General Secretary, Madan Dilawar wished “death” for Mallikarjun Kharge and said “Congress President is 80 years old; God can take him away any time”. Now BJP leaders are openly plotting the assassination of Mallikarjun Kharge, his wife and the entire family,” the Congress Party alleged in the statement.