Why Not Raise Issues in Assembly?: Priyank Kharge Questions BJP Padayatra
“They are watching what issues the BJP is raising, what its purpose is and what people will gain from the padayatra. Taking out a padayatra is your right, but explaining its purpose to the people is also your responsibility,” he said
Kalaburagi: Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Tuesday sought to put the BJP on the defensive over its ‘Ballari Chalo’ padayatra, questioning why the Opposition had taken its campaign to the streets when it had opportunities to raise the same issues and seek answers from the government in the legislature.
Speaking to reporters in Kalaburagi, Kharge said the government had no objection to the BJP holding a padayatra, as protesting was a democratic right.
“If they were serious about these issues, they could have raised them in the House and sought answers from the government. When the government was ready for a discussion, they did not come forward. Why are they now taking the same issues to the streets through a padayatra?” he asked.
Kharge said the Opposition had a responsibility of highlighting people’s problems and also to engage with the government and work towards finding solutions.
“Protest, ask questions and hold the government accountable. But when there is an opportunity to discuss the same issues in the House, how effective is it to avoid that and then try to send a political message through a padayatra?” Kharge questioned.
Kharge said people would ultimately judge the purpose and impact of the BJP’s campaign.
“They are watching what issues the BJP is raising, what its purpose is and what people will gain from the padayatra. Taking out a padayatra is your right, but explaining its purpose to the people is also your responsibility,” he said.