New Delhi/Bengaluru, Nov 5 (PTI) Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Thursday criticised Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge for calling him a "village idiot," claiming that the remark amounted to disrespecting the farming community and people living in villages.
Reacting to Kharge's remark, Kumaraswamy said it was not about him personally but the manner in which the Congress leader had used the term, which he said portrayed farmers as "village idiots".
"This word is not actually going to affect me, but the Congress is insulting the farming community by using the term village idiot," the JD (S) second-in-command told reporters in New Delhi.
Kumaraswamy said farmers who cultivate land and provide food to the country deserved respect and alleged that the Congress leader's remark reflected the party's attitude towards them.
"They (Congress leaders) think that all village people who are cultivating in their land to give food to the country are village idiots," he alleged.
He demanded that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge answer to the farming community over the remark. Priyank is the son of the AICC chief.
"Congress president Mr Mallikarjun Kharge should answer to the farming community in this country now. What respect have they given to the farming community," he asked.
Meanwhile, the JD(S) also launched a campaign "Yes I am a village idiot. What' the big deal," with all party MLAs joining.
Prihank Kharge had on Wednesday called Kumaraswamy a "village idiot," who makes allegations on a daily basis, while reacting to the union minister's criticism of his handling of the Home portfolio.
