‘Holding back, will seek clear explanation from govt’: Priyank Kharge on ‘denial’ for US trip

BENGALURU: Karnataka Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge on Tuesday said that he would seek an explanation from the central government over the denial of his scheduled trip to the United States (US).

He said he was holding back from making public statements and would enquire about the denial of his trip once he returned to Bengaluru.

“I’m holding back on making any public statements for now. Once I’m back in Bengaluru, I will seek a clear explanation from the Government of India regarding this denial,” Kharge posted on X while responding to a section of media reporting on the issue.

Kharge was scheduled to attend multiple events in the US.

Earlier on June 6, Kharge addressed the recent stampede incident in Bengaluru, stating that the officers responsible have been suspended and a magisterial enquiry has been ordered to investigate the matter.

While speaking to reporters, Kharge said, “The officers who are responsible have been suspended. We have made no scapegoats… A magisterial enquiry has been ordered and our next action will be according to the findings of the enquiry…”

Responding to criticism from the BJP, Kharge hit back saying, “BJP wants the CM, DCM, and the Home Minister to resign, so going by that same logic, Yogi Adityanath must resign, Amit Shah must resign for the Pahalgam attack, S Jaishankar must resign for the failure of foreign policy, and PM Narendra Modi must also resign for misleading the whole country…”

He acknowledged that the state government could have planned better, “Yes, we could have planned better and done things in a better way, and we are looking into it…”

This came after Kharge admitted that the stampede near M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which caused the death of 11 people, could have been prevented with better planning and coordination. (ANI)