Bengaluru: Opposition leader in the Karnataka Assembly, R. Ashoka, criticized the Congress, calling its current leaders “fake Gandhis” with no moral right to invoke the names of Mahatma Gandhi or B.R. Ambedkar. Addressing the media on Tuesday, he questioned why Congress had not named the newly inaugurated building in Delhi after Gandhi or Patel if they genuinely respected the leaders.

He further slammed the Congress’ “Gandhi Bharat” convention in Belagavi, accusing Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of lacking credentials as freedom fighters. “If Mahatma Gandhi were alive today, he would have driven these Congress leaders out,” he remarked.

Narayanaswamy’s Criticism

Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, accused Congress leaders of dishonoring Gandhi’s principles. Mahatma Gandhi was against alcohol, but these Congress leaders engage in drinking through the night and hold conventions in the morning. “If Gandhi were alive, he would have expelled them from the party,” he stated.

He also demanded accountability for the funds used in the event. “We have no objection to building Gandhi statues using public funds, but Congress must disclose where the money for this convention came from.”

Priyanka’s Comparison to Rani Chennamma Condemned

R. Ashoka also criticized the comparison of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to Kittur Rani Chennamma, calling it an insult to Karnataka’s valiant queen. He demanded that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and the party issue an apology to the public.

Former Deputy Chief Minister Dr. C.N. Ashwathnarayan echoed these views, accusing the Congress of exploiting Mahatma Gandhi’s name for political gain. “This convention is not out of respect for Gandhi but merely a power show by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar,” he alleged.