Priyank Kharge’s statement on Uttar Pradesh stirs controversy

Priyank Kharge had given an interview to The South First. The interview focused on the atmosphere for investment in the state, the problem of communalism in the state, and the challenges with respect to fulfilling the poll promises. One of his statements in the interview has been cause for controversy. 

When asked about whether BJP’s (Bharatiya Janata Party) ideology has a negative impact on investments, “Have you ever heard any Kannadiga say I am going to Uttar Pradesh for a job? I will show you how many people from UP and Madhya Pradesh are there in Karnataka. They come here because of the ecosystem. The Hindi heartland thinks that they can come to South India and earn a livelihood. Nobody from the South thinks they can go to the Hindi heartland and earn a livelihood because of the social infrastructure,” he said. 

This was not well received by all sections of social media. Some pointed out that this comparison is unfair as not many from Bengauluru would be willing to shift to Kalaburagi which is considered a bastion of the Congress party president, Mallikarjun Kharge. Kalaburagi ranks 3rd in the state in terms of percentage of people who face the predicament of multidimensional poverty. Others felt that it is not fair to make such sweeping statements on an entire demography. Some however defended him saying his statements were directed at the government and not the people or the land. 

Have you ever heard any Bengalurian say I'm going to Kalaburagi for a job?

Kalaburagi is a district in Karnataka, a bastion of Kharge Family, ruled by INC for 65 years!

If inter state jibes are valid.
Intra state jibes can mirror sad state of affairs within the state as well. pic.twitter.com/FQf1hLyFo0

— Karthik Reddy (@bykarthikreddy) August 2, 2023