The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has openly criticized the Congress party for apparently placing more importance on Rahul Gandhi than on welcoming the German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz. This criticism comes in light of Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar greeting Congress MP Rahul Gandhi at the Mysuru airport while delegating a minister to receive Chancellor Merz at the Bengaluru airport. The BJP contends that such actions demonstrate a troubling prioritization of political allegiance over the genuine progress and development of the state.
Chancellor Merz arrived at Kempegowda International Airport on a Tuesday, where he was greeted by Karnataka’s Minister for Large and Medium Industries, MB Patil, along with prominent officials. R Ashoka, the Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly and a BJP member, took to social media platform X to express his discontent. He pointed out that the rivalry between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar regarding leadership positions within the Congress was clearly influencing their decisions.
"Today marks a significant event as the German Federal Chancellor visits Karnataka—this is not just a routine visit but one laden with diplomatic, economic, and strategic implications for our state. A responsible Chief Minister would have ensured that such an occasion was treated with the utmost seriousness, viewing it as a prime opportunity for attracting investment, boosting industry, creating jobs, and fostering long-term growth for Karnataka," Ashoka stated emphatically.
Ashoka further expressed disappointment, noting that, while Chancellor Merz arrived in Bengaluru, both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister were preoccupied in Mysuru, welcoming Rahul Gandhi, who was simply passing through on his way to Ooty. "This situation illustrates a profound misalignment of priorities. The fact that they chose to bypass a formal welcome for the leader of a major global economy speaks volumes about Congress' apparent disregard for Karnataka's interests," he remarked.
Additionally, BJP members highlighted that the Congress party had previously protested when Rahul Gandhi was not included in an event hosted by President Droupadi Murmu for Russian President Vladimir Putin last month.
During his time in Bengaluru, Chancellor Merz and his delegation attended visits to the Bosch campus located in Adugodi and the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering at the Indian Institute of Science before departing from Bengaluru the same evening.
