Rayaraddi defends Priyank Kharge’s remarks on Kumaraswamy
Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayaraddi has defended colleague Priyank Kharge's use of a controversial rural colloquialism against opposition leader H.D. Kumaraswamy. Rayaraddi also addressed broader political concerns, including rising bus fares, fuel prices, and the minimum support price for farmers in Karnataka.
Why it matters
The defense highlights ongoing political friction in Karnataka and underscores the government's struggle to balance fiscal constraints, such as the Shakti scheme, against public dissatisfaction with inflation.
KALABURAGI Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayaraddi has defended Minister Priyank Kharge over his controversial use of the expression ‘halli guggu’, saying it was a colloquial expression used by people in rural areas and should not be misunderstood. “This is our people’s colloquial language. There is no need to misunderstand it. People in villages used such expressions. There is nothing wrong in using a rural expression,” he said, adding that Mr. Kharge had spoken appropriately. Speaking to reporters here on Saturday, Mr. Rayaraddi said he had known Mr. Kharge since childhood and described him as a well-educated, straightforward person who spoke his mind. “When he speaks the truth, it can be bitter. What is wrong with what Mr. Priyank has said? He speaks with a sense of reason,” he said. Referring to the ongoing exchange of remarks and poster campaign between the two leaders, Mr.
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