Bengaluru: A political storm has erupted in Karnataka after Congress leader and Minister Priyank Kharge’s controversial remark that lifting the ban on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was a mistake and that if Congress comes to power at the Centre, it will target the RSS with Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids. Furious BJP leaders have hit back, calling Priyank’s comments irresponsible, anti-democratic and an insult to crores of patriots who see the RSS as the backbone of India’s cultural and social strength.
Senior BJP leader and former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa minced no words while lashing out at Priyank Kharge’s remarks. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Yediyurappa said, “Priyank Kharge is drunk with power and arrogance. He thinks he can threaten the RSS which has produced countless patriots, freedom fighters and leaders. He should immediately apologise to the people of this country for his reckless statement.”
Yediyurappa reminded Priyank that it was under the RSS’ inspiration that leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi rose to lead the nation. “Priyank Kharge himself has benefitted from the peaceful social atmosphere nurtured by the RSS across India. He should remember that lakhs of RSS workers dedicate themselves selflessly to the country. Banning such an organisation for petty political gain is not just foolish but dangerous,” Yediyurappa thundered.
Leader of Opposition R. Ashok too came down heavily on Priyank’s threat. He warned that the Congress party’s old dream of finishing the RSS will never succeed. “Priyank says they will ban RSS and raid it. Let him try. If anyone touches the RSS, they will only destroy themselves. The people of this country will ensure that in the next election, India becomes Congress-free,” Ashok declared, drawing loud cheers from party workers.
Former Union Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda slammed Priyank Kharge for acting as a “Mini Kharge” trying to provoke hatred and division. “Who is Priyank to talk about banning the RSS? He does not understand the roots of this country. If he touches the Sangh, he will turn into ashes. The RSS is not a party but a living tradition,” he said.
In Mysuru, BJP MLA Srivatsa did not hold back either. “Priyank needs medical help. He talks like a man who has lost touch with the ground reality. He knows that Congress has no hope of returning to power at the Centre, so he is doing cheap stunts to stay in the news,” Srivatsa remarked.
Meanwhile, Priyank Kharge tried to justify his statement in Kalaburagi by mocking BJP leaders, asking which of their children have ever worn RSS shorts and attended a branch. He further taunted the BJP by saying that if the RSS is not a political party, why did it send names for the post of BJP national president.
BJP leaders have countered this by saying that Priyank is only exposing his ignorance. “It is laughable that Priyank Kharge does not know the difference between social work and politics. The RSS has given India selfless citizens, not corrupt dynasts,” said a local BJP worker in Kalaburagi.
The BJP has vowed to take this issue to the people across Karnataka. “Every time Congress tries to defame the RSS, it insults the millions who work for India’s unity and integrity. We will expose Priyank’s politics of hate. Let him see what happens in the next Lok Sabha polls,” Yediyurappa said, hinting at a statewide protest if Priyank does not withdraw his statement.
The BJP’s youth wing has also announced that they will organise ‘branch awareness campaigns’ to counter Priyank’s jibe about RSS branches. “If Priyank wants selfies from RSS branches, we will flood social media with them. Let him see the strength of the RSS cadre,” said a Yuva Morcha leader.
