BJP hits back at Congress: ‘Why were actors supporting Rahul during Bharat Jodo Yatra?’

BENGALURU: Days after the Congress slammed the BJP after Kannda star ‘Kiccha’ Sudeep confirmed he will campaign for his friends in the BJP, but ruled out contesting the May 10 Assembly polls, the BJP asked the grand old party why stars were seen supporting Rahul Gandhi during the Bharat Jodo Yatra earlier in the year.

Addressing a press conference here, BJP’s national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia asked why were actors like Swara Bhaskar, Riya Sen and Rashami Desai seen supporting him during the Yatra.

“If someone supports Congress, then it is for the benefit of democracy. But if someone supports BJP, then it is due to the fear of investigating agencies”, Bhatia said at a press conference. “Congress also said BJP needs people from outside for the campaigning…Who were seen with Rahul Gandhi? So that means Rahul Gandhi does not have any charisma left. He needs people like Swara Bhasker who was supporting people chanting slogans against our country. There were stars like Riya Sen, Rashami Desai, what were they doing in the Bharat Jodo Yatra?” Bhatia questioned.

Actor Sudeep fielding questions during the press conference.

He further said, “It also reveals the sick mentality of the Congress and JD(S). They feel it is their fundamental right to decide what is your right. ‘Kiccha’ Sudeep is a person who has earned a name for himself, earned a reputation. He has not inherited a name like Rahul Gandhi. He belongs to the tribal community. The vision of the BJP is to empower the SC and STs and that is why we see the highest Constitutional office in the country is held by a member of the Scheduled Tribe. Today, when millions are getting inspired that a hard-working actor, not just wins hearts, but is idolised by many who is creating hurdles, who is jealous?” he asked.

Congress MP Randeep Surjewala in a veiled attack had said, sometimes the ED and IT Department can also persuade film stars to extend support to the ruling party. “All artists are welcome. Sometimes ED, IT can also persuade film stars to extend support to the ruling party. The Karnataka election is not a film, reel or entertainment. It is an election that relates to the lives of over 6.5 crores people of Karnataka,” Surjewala said hours after Sudeep announced his support to Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai. (With agency inputs)