Kalaburagi: The demand by Minister Priyank Kharge to ban the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in government institutions has sparked sharp political reactions across Karnataka, with BJP leaders launching an ‘I Love RSS’ campaign to express solidarity with the century-old nationalist organisation.
In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Priyank Kharge urged the state to prohibit the use of government premises for RSS activities, citing alleged ideological bias. The letter immediately triggered a political storm, with the BJP terming it an “attack on patriotism” and “an insult to millions of volunteers who have selflessly served the nation.”
In Kalaburagi, the home turf of the minister himself, BJP leaders took to the streets with posters reading “Whoever loves India also loves RSS.” The campaign saw enthusiastic participation from local leaders, including former MLC Amarnath Patil and former district president Shivraj Patil Raddewadagi, who pasted posters across major junctions and public spaces. The initiative quickly went viral, with social media flooded with images of the slogan as a counter to Kharge’s controversial letter.
BJP leaders accused Kharge of attempting to malign an organization that has stood as a symbol of unity, discipline, and national pride for nearly a century. “The Sangh Parivar inspires patriotism across the country. Doesn’t the minister know this?” asked one leader during the campaign. “While the entire country is celebrating the birth centenary of the RSS, Kharge seems intent on stirring unnecessary controversy.”
Former Chief Minister and Hubballi MP Jagadish Shettar lashed out at Kharge, stating that “if Priyank Kharge doesn’t talk about RSS, he won’t be able to digest his food.” Shettar went on to say that Kharge’s political rise was due to his father’s influence rather than merit. “He became a minister in his first term as MLA only because of his father’s blessings. Otherwise, he doesn’t have the stature to make such comments,” Shettar remarked.
In Mysuru, former MP Pratap Simha questioned the feasibility of Kharge’s demand. “Forget about banning RSS,” he said. “Even the Nehru family couldn’t do it. How can Siddaramaiah, who is merely following the Nehru lineage, dream of doing so?” Simha’s comments echoed a sentiment shared widely within the BJP — that the RSS, with its deep grassroots presence and voluntary strength, is far beyond the reach of political vendettas.
Meanwhile, Sri Rama Sene founder Pramod Muthalik strongly defended the organisation, contrasting its legacy with that of the Congress. “The RSS is not like the Congress, which has divided and weakened the nation despite being 130 years old,” Muthalik said. “The RSS has grown stronger with the hard work of lakhs of dedicated volunteers. Even after a hundred years, it remains united, disciplined, and deeply rooted in the soil of Bharat.”
Muthalik further criticised the Congress for its selective outrage. “The Congress government wants to suppress the voices of those who chant Bharat Mata Ki Jai, but remains silent when slogans like Pakistan Zindabad are raised in the Vidhan Soudha and elsewhere,” he said.
Taking a jibe at Congress leader BK Hariprasad, who compared the RSS to the Taliban, Muthalik remarked, “Does he not understand the difference between an organization that serves the nation and a terrorist outfit that destroys humanity?”
He also emphasised that the RSS has never depended on government spaces for its activities. “RSS does not need government premises. It has the hearts and homes of millions of citizens. The Sangh’s reach extends across 250 countries through cultural and social service wings,” Muthalik added.
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