Bengaluru: The recent statement by Congress leader and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge at a public rally in Assam has triggered a massive political storm, drawing sharp condemnation from across the spectrum. His controversial comparison of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Bharatiya Janata Party to “poisonous snakes”, and the suggestion that such entities must be “eliminated”, has been widely criticised as inflammatory and irresponsible.
Speaking at a rally in Nilambazar, Kharge reportedly cited a Quranic reference to argue that even during prayer, a poisonous snake must be killed if encountered. He then extended this analogy to political opponents, stating that the RSS and BJP are similar threats.
This remark has not only drawn backlash from BJP leaders but has also raised serious concerns about the tone and direction of political discourse in the country.
Reacting strongly, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused the Congress leadership of stooping to a new low. He alleged that the remarks were an attempt to provoke and polarise communities for electoral gains. According to him, such rhetoric reflects a pattern where Congress leaders resort to divisive language when faced with declining public support.
It is not INC
Indian National CongIt is Indian Jihadi Congress
Congress Openly Inciting Muslims to Kill BJP/RSS members
Kharge Ji : Quran mei likha hai Namaz ke waqt bhi agar jahreeli saanp dikhe, toh use maar do. RSS/BJP wahi saanp hai…aap unhe nahi maroge to bachoge… pic.twitter.com/6HNBm65vk1
— Shehzad Jai Hind (@Shehzad_Ind) April 6, 2026
Leader of the Opposition in Karnataka, R. Ashok, also criticised the Congress, stating that the party is increasingly relying on appeasement politics. He alleged that such statements are part of a broader strategy to consolidate minority votes by portraying political rivals in an extreme and negative light. Ashok further remarked that the Congress, having lost ground among the general electorate, is resorting to provocative narratives to stay politically relevant.
Observers note that this is not an isolated controversy involving the Kharge family. Priyank Kharge, son of Mallikarjun Kharge and a minister in the Karnataka government led by Siddaramaiah, has also previously made strong remarks against the RSS, including attempts to regulate its activities in public spaces. While political criticism is legitimate, repeated targeting of specific organisations in harsh terms raises questions about consistency and intent.
