The Janata Dal (Secular) [JDS] has strongly criticized Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for his dismissive interaction with a farmer who came to him with grievances about crop damage. The JDS accused Kharge of mocking the farmer and asserted that, for the Congress party, farmers are merely a subject for speeches and election manifestos.

The incident involved Kharge seemingly driving away a farmer who approached him in Kalaburagi with concerns about crop loss. In a widely circulated video clip, Kharge is seen questioning the farmer about the extent of his planting, "How many acres did you plant?". When the farmer responded with "4 acres," Kharge retorted, "I planted in 40 acres and mine has been damaged worse than this". He further added, "This is like the saying that one who has delivered three kids comes to a person who has delivered 6 and talks about the struggle," implying the farmer's concerns were insignificant compared to his own losses. Kharge also accused the farmer of seeking publicity and claimed to be aware of the crop loss issue. "Don't come here just for the sake of publicity, I am aware of this issue, I am aware of the crop losses this year. You may be able to sustain, but it is difficult for us. It is difficult to sustain with the size of our plantation," he said.

The JDS took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their condemnation. "Mr. Kharge, after decades in politics, holding powerful posts, becoming @INCIndia's national president, having your son @PriyankKharge as a minister, and your party ruling the state, you still don't have the patience to listen to farmers in your own district?" the JDS posted. They further questioned whether providing compensation to distressed farmers was too much to expect. The JDS's statement underscored their belief that the Congress party's concern for farmers is superficial. "For Congress, farmers seem to matter only in speeches and manifestos. In reality, your arrogance says it all," the JDS added.

This incident involving Kharge is not the first time a Congress leader has faced criticism regarding their interactions with farmers. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar was recently accused of threatening farmers protesting against the Greater Bengaluru Governance Authority Project in Ramanagara. The farmers fear the loss of their agricultural lands due to the project. Shivakumar allegedly issued a stern warning to the protesting farmers, stating that he had given 12 acres of land in the past.