A dispute arose between Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge and state BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra regarding the recent escape of three inmates from Kalaburagi Central Prison. Kharge defended the government’s actions, stating that police were instructed to track down the remaining escapees.
Kharge emphasized that since assuming office, he has conducted reviews with all Home Department divisions to enhance and modernize operations. He pledged to personally inspect prisons statewide and evaluate staff performance, affirming the government’s commitment to prison reforms and security enhancements.
In response to BJP criticism, Kharge urged opposition leaders to consider the prison conditions during their own governance. He highlighted a 2010 incident under the BJP’s rule where eight inmates escaped, questioning if that was deemed a failure. The Home Minister also criticized the BJP for allegedly providing special treatment to inmates at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison.
Vijayendra rebuked Kharge for his comments, urging him to prioritize law enforcement over remarks about the RSS. He criticized the government’s handling of an ISIS terrorist and pointed out the recent prison escape in Kharge’s district. Vijayendra dismissed Kharge’s reference to the 2010 incident, emphasizing that past occurrences should not excuse present failures.
The BJP President expressed disappointment in Kharge’s statements, stating that such irresponsibility is unfitting for a department head. He called out the government’s track record in prison management over the past three years, asserting that Kharge should be ashamed of his remarks.
