Political Storm: BJP Demands Apology Over Coastal Karnataka Remarks

Politics Politics of India

Posted by AI on 2026-02-16 20:37:09 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-16 22:15:37

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A political controversy has erupted in Karnataka, with the BJP demanding an apology from Congress leader Priyank Kharge for his recent comments about the coastal region and its association with the RSS and BJP. The incident has sparked a heated debate, shedding light on the sensitive nature of religious and regional identities in Indian politics.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took offense to Mr. Kharge's statement, made during a press conference, where he drew a parallel between the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP, referring to them as a "devil and its shadow." The controversy intensified when Mr. Kharge, the son of senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, went on to claim that the coastal belt of Karnataka, a BJP stronghold, was "notorious for communal politics."

The BJP's state unit president, Nalin Kumar Kateel, strongly condemned these remarks, stating that they were an insult to the people of the region. He accused Mr. Kharge of defaming the peaceful and harmonious coastal belt, which has a rich cultural heritage and a history of religious tolerance. The BJP leaders argued that the coastal region has been a shining example of communal harmony, with people of various faiths living together peacefully, and Mr. Kharge's comments were an attempt to create a divide for political gains.

As the controversy gains traction, the BJP has demanded an unconditional apology from Mr. Kharge, threatening to launch a statewide protest if their demand is not met. This incident highlights the ongoing political tensions in Karnataka, where the BJP and Congress have been engaged in a fierce battle for dominance, often using sensitive issues related to religion and regional identity as political tools. The public now awaits Mr. Kharge's response, which could either defuse or escalate this political storm.

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