Is it necessary to declare holiday for worshipping God, asks Priyank Kharge

Team Udayavani, Jan 24, 2024, 10:37 AM IST

The Congress party is under fire, particularly from the BJP, for the absence of its leaders at the historic Ram Mandir inauguration. Adding fuel to the fire, the Congress-led state government did not declare a government holiday for the significant occasion, sparking criticism.

Priyanka Kharge, Karnataka Minister of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, and head of KPCC’s Communication and Social Media wing responded to the backlash by questioning the necessity of a holiday for religious worship.

In an exclusive interview with “Udayavani”, Kharge discussed various aspects, shedding light on the Congress’s stance on the Ram Mandir consecration and unveiling their strategy to navigate the political developments surrounding the issue.

Q: Congress did not attend the Ram Mandir inauguration nor did it declare a holiday in Karnataka. Is this an opportunity for the opposition to label it as anti-Hindu?

We believe in Basavanna’s teachings – ‘Kayakave Kailasa’ (Work is worship). The words ‘Government work is God’s work” are engraved in front of Vidhana Soudha. Does the BJP understand this Basava Tattva? Is there a need for a holiday for worship? Many historical events occurred, did BJP declare holidays for all of them? PM Modi stated Ram Mandir construction under Supreme Court auspices; shouldn’t all bow to that?

Q: Will the Ram Mandir issue be crucial in the Lok Sabha election?

On the one hand, the BJP claims that it is “not playing politics” on the issue. So, what is BJP doing in Ayodhya? Why is it inviting everyone? Let the trustees and religious thinkers talk about Ram Mandir. Why do they (BJP) talk about it? Why do they give certificates of ‘patriotic’ and ‘Rambhakta’?

It has been ten years since the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi came into power. Have they spoken anything about how much employment has been generated, how many houses have been built for the homeless, or how many have been brought out of poverty?

Q: BJP and JDS are together in the Lok Sabha elections. What is your strategy?

Not together; merged. There are two aspects. Firstly, why did the BJP, claiming to be the strongest, form this alliance? Why did they need former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, when they claim Prime Minister Narendra Modi alone is sufficient? It took them six months to appoint leaders of opposition for the upper and lower houses in the state. This highlights a leadership vacuum. Secondly, the JDS, which lost its secularism and support, has entered this alliance to sustain its existence. The root cause is the Congress coming to power in Karnataka with a clear majority.

Q: Summer is starting; what’s the preparation to tackle water and fodder shortages?

Fodder kits are already being distributed. A plan has been made to avert any shortage of water and it is being checked every 15 days. Rs one crore each has been deposited in the accounts of Zilla Panchayat CEOs. For the first time, the Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Horticulture, Minister of Revenue, Minister of Animal Husbandry and I are managing drought together. We have held 10-15 meetings so far.  Action will be taken in this regard. Amidst all this, we are not getting the necessary assistance from the Centre. We have been there (to Delhi) four times. How many more times should we go?

Q: Does the government lack funds?

43 projects have been sanctioned so far. Is it possible without the necessary funds? How is Rs 38 thousand crore money being transferred directly to people’s accounts? The previous government borrowed and spent it. We are paying the interest on that loan. Let the BJP, which says there is no money, raise their voice about the injustice done to us (the state) by the Centre.

Q: Congress shied away from the responsibility of raising the issue of internal reservation at the Centre. Then, how is it different from BJP?

This is incorrect. The Sadashiva Commission was rejected by the previous BJP government. Our stand on internal reservation is clear; amend Article 341 for its implementation. BJP plays games with OBCs in Bihar and Telangana. Let it take a bold decision on internal reservation too, as it has done with Article 370 and triple talaq.