Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Jan 28: Responding to Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge’s controversial statement, Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna criticized him, saying, “Those who do not understand Hinduism are talking about heaven and hell. Without knowing the rituals and practices of Hinduism, you lack the moral authority to speak about heaven.”

Kharge recently sparked debate with his remark that “Bathing at the Kumbh Mela will not eliminate poverty in the country. Modi and Amit Shah will not go to heaven even if they bathe a hundred times.”

In a sharp response, Yashpal Suvarna said, “Mallikarjun Kharge’s statement is irresponsible. It is unclear whether this is a result of his age or a Congress-driven narrative. People from across the globe aspire to participate in the Maha Kumbh Mela. Kharge’s comment insults those sentiments and shames millions worldwide.”

The MLA argued that such remarks are unbecoming of a national leader and demanded that Congress clarify if Kharge’s words were influenced by his personal views or party rhetoric. He added that Kharge’s comments had deeply hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus and called for a public apology.

“Kharge’s statements appear to be an attempt to appease the minority community,” Suvarna alleged. “The world has recognized prime minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Those who oppose Modi and Amit Shah’s vision and progress resort to such condemnable remarks. Leaders like Modi and Amit Shah are rare, and the nation benefits from their forward-thinking governance.”