The call to ban the public activities of the RSS has triggered a war of words between Karnataka minister and BJP leaders
BENGALURU — Karnataka Minister for Information Technology and Rural Development, Priyank Kharge, has derided BJP leader Narayansa Bhandage’s criticism of his demand for a complete ban on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities in government institutions and public premises across the state.
The Congress leader has argued that such organisations should not be allowed to use state facilities for “ideological indoctrination.”
In a letter to the Chief Minister, Priyank Kharge asserted that government offices, schools, and public spaces are meant for the people, not for promoting any political or ideological agenda.
“The RSS is not a registered organisation and functions like a political outfit in disguise. Its shakhas and activities inside government premises violate the secular character of our institutions,” he said.
He alleged that the RSS is “spreading hate,” conducting “aggressive drills with sticks,” and brainwashing young people in schools. He also questioned the privileges and lack of transparency regarding the organisation’s funding.
BJP leaders, however, accused Kharge of “political vendetta” and “targeting nationalist organisations.”
Rajya Sabha member Narayansa Bhandage slammed Kharge, ironically stating that he was confused about Priyank Kharge’s name, as many men and women are named similarly.
Retaliating sharply, Priyank Kharge maintained that “whatever and however I am, I am good.” He added, “If their fathers had given birth to them leisurely, this would not have happened.” His statement is likely to add to the controversy.
BJP MP Bhandage said, “He (Priyank Kharge) always speaks about things that don’t concern him. Will you ban the RSS? Is it possible? Even the most senior Congress leaders in history failed to ban the RSS.”
He reiterated, “It wasn’t possible for the grandfathers and great-grandfathers of the Congress party to ban the RSS. Former PM Jawaharlal Nehru had even given the RSS the opportunity to hold events.”
Responding to Priyank Kharge’s charge that none of the BJP leaders send their children to the RSS, Bhandage said, “My children and grandson are all in the RSS.”
“Mr Kharge, you should know that on January 26, 1962, the Nehru government permitted the RSS to take part in the Republic Day parade. Will you ban this now?” he asked.
Reacting strongly, Priyank Kharge said, “I am better than him. Whatever I am, I am good. If they had been born leisurely, this would not have happened. They have no brain or logic. If they want to talk, let them show documents. These are people born leisurely by their fathers, and that’s why they behave like this.”
Former minister KS Eshwarappa, reacting to the proposal of banning RSS activities, stated, “Small politicians are making mad statements. Only those who are mad can make such a statement. The CM should have torn up the letter demanding an RSS ban and rubbished it. The RSS, which is celebrating its 100th year, is praised for its contributions and sacrifices both within the country and abroad. Unable to tolerate this, petty politicians like Priyank Kharge and Congress MLC BK Hariprasad are issuing such mad remarks.”
The Karnataka BJP also shared an old photograph of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge visiting an RSS event at Nagavara in Bengaluru in 2002, when he was the state’s Home Minister.
This is not the first time the Congress leader has targeted the Sangh Parivar. Earlier too, Priyank Kharge had accused the RSS of promoting hatred and undermining constitutional values, asserting that its ideology was incompatible with democratic governance. — With inputs from IANS
