Mangaluru: BJP stages roadblock, demands Minister Priyank Kharge’s resignation over contractor’s suicide

Mangaluru: The BJP Yuva Morcha of Dakshina Kannada staged a poster campaign and roadblock protest on Friday in front of the Mini Vidhana Soudha, demanding the resignation of Minister Priyank Kharge. The protest was sparked by the alleged suicide of contractor Sachin Panchal, who reportedly named Kharge’s close aides in his death note.

Addressing the protest, MLA Vedavyas Kamath alleged that Sachin’s death was a result of harassment by Priyank Kharge’s associates. He accused the Congress-led government of being a “Suicide and Mafia Government,” claiming that contractors, government employees, and honest individuals were being victimized under undue pressure and threats.

Nandan Mallya, President of the District BJP Yuva Morcha, criticized the state government for its arrogance and condemned Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s alleged orders to arrest protestors. He challenged the CM to arrest all protestors if he had the courage to do so.

Former MLC Monappa Bhandari stated that such harassment could not have occurred without the knowledge and consent of Priyank Kharge.

The protest saw participation from several prominent leaders, including former mayors Premananda Shetty, Diwakar Pandeshwar, and Kavitha Sanil, as well as Deputy Mayor Bhanumathi, Ramesh Kandettu, Rajagopal Rai, and others. Party workers and leaders displayed posters criticizing the government and raised slogans against the minister and state leadership.

Police Intervention

The protestors blocked the road and sat on the streets for some time, causing traffic disruptions. Police later detained them to restore order.