1. BJP MLA Araga Jnanendra makes objectionable comment on AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge
Former Home Minister and senior BJP leader Araga Jnanendra has kicked up a row by making a derogatory remark about AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge’s skin colour. The objectionable comment was made during a protest in his constituency Thirthahalli on August 1 against Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre’s statement on the K. Kasturirangan report.
Addressing the protesters, Mr. Jnanendra said people from Bidar — Mr. Khandre’s native — hardly know anything about trees, plants, or shade. He then alluded to the skin colour of Mr. Kharge, who also hails from North Karnataka. “People from that area turn pitch black under the scorching sun. We understand their plight if we look at Kharge. He has been saved somehow because of his hair, which has provided him shade,” Mr. Jnanendra said. Following backlash, the Thirthahalli MLA later expressed regret in a social media post.
