Are R. Ashok’s party in-charges commission agents? – Former Minister B. Ramanatha Rai
Mangaluru: In a strongly worded statement, former minister B. Ramanatha Rai has sharply criticized remarks made by Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, R. Ashok, regarding AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal. Rai condemned Ashok’s labeling of Venugopal as an “agent” of the Congress high command, retorting with a pointed question: “Then what are the general secretaries and in-charges of Ashok’s party? Are they commission agents?”
Addressing a press conference held at the Congress Bhavan in the city on Friday, Rai characterized Ashok’s statement as a display of “immaturity,” further asserting that the opposition leader “often makes irresponsible and childish remarks.” He defended K.C. Venugopal, emphasizing his dedicated efforts to fortify the Congress party’s organizational structure, and deemed the criticism leveled against him as “inappropriate.”
Rai questioned the propriety of Ashok’s actions, suggesting that he was neglecting his own position and responsibilities by resorting to “derogatory comments” aimed at leaders holding significant posts within another political party. “If K.C. Venugopal is called an agent of the Congress high command, then what should Ashok’s BJP general secretaries be called — brokers?” he stated rhetorically.
The former minister also raised allegations concerning Ashok’s tenure as Transport Minister, claiming that during that period, KSRTC land in Mangaluru was illicitly sold to private entities. Rai suggested that similar improprieties may have occurred in other regions of the state and called for a thorough investigation into the matter.
Rai further asserted that Ashok “lacks moral standing and awareness of what is happening within his own party.” He advised Ashok to gain a comprehensive understanding of his own party’s internal affairs before publicly commenting on the leaders of other political organizations.
When questioned by reporters regarding an incident that occurred at the airport during Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s arrival in Mangaluru, Rai declined to comment, stating that he would not offer any remarks on the matter.