Lashing out at the BJP for the allegation that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge was kept waiting outside while Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi filed her nomination for the Wayanad bypolls, Congress leader KC Venugopal refuted the claim. He emphasised that Kharge was present throughout the process.
In a statement to news agency ANI, Venugopal explained that the door to the room had been locked when they arrived, causing Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi to wait briefly before entering.
ALSO READ | ‘Congress Has Norm Of Selling 20% Tickets For Elections’: Himanta's Startling Claim On ‘Experience’ In Party
Hitting out at the BJP over their false allegation against the Congress and party national President Mallikarjun Kharge, he said, "How can BJP spread these types of lies? After completing the meeting when we reached the collectorate, the door was shut. Then Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi came. They also waited for some minutes. After that Mallikarjun Kharge came and waited outside for a minute as the door was locked. Mallikarjun Kharge was present there for the nomination. BJP always targets Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. Why are they spreading lies against Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and the Congress party? This is unacceptable."
BJP National Spokesperson CR Kesavan had earlier criticised the incident, calling Kharge’s treatment "shocking" and "appalling." He claimed the senior Dalit leader was disrespected by the Congress party. "The outrageous manner in which Mallikarjun Kharge was thoroughly humiliated was indeed very shocking. It was appalling to see that such a senior Dalit leader was treated by the Congress Party with such utter disdain and disrespect," CR Kesavan said, ANI reported.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Claims Dalits Are Insulted Inside Congress
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also weighed in, accusing Congress of practising untouchability. "We have shown what is Dalit's position in Congress. Outside, Rahul Gandhi shows that the Congress party supports Dalits and gives them equal participation. But inside, Dalits are insulted. What happened with Mallilarjun Kharge yesterday, after that there is nothing left to tell people. Congress is exposed...Within the party, Dalits are insulted and treated as third-class citizens, and untouchability is practised." said Chief Minister Sarma.
On Wednesday, Priyanka Gandhi filed her nomination at the Kalpetta district collector's office, after a roadshow with Rahul Gandhi. During a public rally, Priyanka thanked the people of Wayanad for standing by her brother during difficult times.