New Delhi: Can the patriotic organisation Bajrang Dal be compared to the terrorist organisation PFI? In fact, this is precisely what Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge did during the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections.
Now, a court in Sangrur, Punjab, has issued a bailable warrant of Rs 15,000 against him regarding the alleged remark comparing Bajrang Dal to the Popular Front of India (PFI) and has directed him to appear personally in court on September 19, 2026. The court has clarified that if he fails to appear on the scheduled date without a valid reason, a non-bailable warrant could be issued against him.
Commenting on the matter, Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) national spokesperson Vinod Bansal said, “Slandering nationalist organisations and comparing them to terrorists has been indicative of the Congress party’s distorted mindset. Despite repeatedly facing rejection from the public and seeing their political standing plummet to rock bottom, the Congress remains shameless.”
He added, “At the very least, the party president and senior leaders should apologize to Bajrang Dal while there is still time; otherwise, the nation’s youth will be compelled to give them a democratic response. Furthermore, they will have to face the consequences imposed by the honorable court. The entire nation knows that ‘Bajrang Dal’ is the strength of the country, and the Congress’s malicious attempts to weaken it will never succeed.”
बजरंग दल राष्ट्रवादी संगठन है उसकी तुलना PFI जैसे आतंकी संगठन से करना दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण हैं। कांग्रेस और PFI का गठजोड़ के कारण बजरंग दल ( @BajrangDalOrg ) कांग्रेस की आंखों की किरकिरी बना हैं।
Bajrang Dal #देश_की_शान_बजरंगदल pic.twitter.com/nkUcvnV1ew
— BajrangDal (@BajrangDalOrg) May 2, 2023
It is noteworthy that the controversy originated during the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections. In its election manifesto, the Congress proposed banning the Bajrang Dal, drawing a comparison between it and the Popular Front of India (PFI), a banned organization linked to Islamic jihadist terrorism. Following a statement made by Mallikarjun Kharge in this context, numerous social and religious organizations opposed the remark. They argued that the comparison tarnished the Bajrang Dal’s image and hurt the religious sentiments of its members.
Based on this controversy, Hitesh Bhardwaj, a resident of Sangrur (Punjab) and an associate of the Bajrang Dal, filed a complaint in court. The complaint alleged that the statement harmed the organization’s reputation and created a risk of social tension.
Court Proceedings Escalate the Matter’s Seriousness
Initially, the case was deemed to be of a civil nature. Later, based on available facts, the court treated it as a criminal matter and commenced further hearings. As part of this process, the court issued a bailable warrant against the Congress President and directed that their personal appearance be ensured.
In this regard, Senior Advocate Ashutosh Kumar Jha stated, “This court order sends a clear message that statements made in public life can also be subjected to judicial scrutiny; if an individual or organization feels their reputation has been harmed, they can seek legal recourse. In such cases, courts do not determine the political merit of an ideology; rather, they examine whether there is a ‘prima facie’ basis to proceed with the complaint. Therefore, such orders are considered part of the legal process, not a final verdict.”
बजरंग दल की तुलना PFI से करने का मामला: कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष मल्लिकार्जुन खड़गे के खिलाफ समन जारी https://t.co/bWmmGzYpJR
— Kanchankranti (@WaniKancha2023) July 29, 2026
Bajrang Dal’s Four-Decade Journey Rooted in Service, Security and Cultural Values
Whenever the country’s social and cultural organizations are discussed, Bajrang Dal features prominently. Established in 1984, the organization has carved a niche for itself as an influential youth group among its supporters over the past four decades, driven by numerous national, cultural and service-oriented activities.
It is worth noting that the journey, which began as the youth wing of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, has now extended to most states across the country. Vinod Bansal, the organization’s national spokesperson, states that Bajrang Dal aims to connect the youth with patriotism, discipline, service and Indian cultural values. Its activities have expanded significantly, ranging from training camps to blood donation drives, disaster relief, cow protection (gau-seva) and the organisation of religious pilgrimages.
He added that the objective behind its establishment and its ideological foundation lie in a commitment to ‘Sanatan Dharma’ and ‘Bharat Mata’. The organization serves as a platform to strengthen the role of youth power in preserving Indian cultural heritage and fulfilling social responsibilities. Emphasis on Indian Knowledge Traditions and Character Building
Bajrang Dal strives to connect the youth with Indian knowledge traditions, Vedic culture and the traditional ‘akhada’ system. According to the organization, children and young people are introduced to Indian history, the lives of great figures, Vedic traditions and cultural values through ‘Bal Sanskar Kendras’ operating across the country. During the intellectual sessions held in training camps, senior speakers deliver lectures on topics such as history, culture and national integration.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) holds the view that these activities foster a sense of respect for Indian traditions and a spirit of social responsibility among the younger generation.
कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष मल्लिकार्जुन खड़गे के खिलाफ वारंट जारी:PFI से की बजरंग दल की तुलना, कहा- प्रतिबंध लगा देंगे; अब संगरूर कोर्ट में होंगे पेश #Ghaziabad365
— Ghaziabad365 (@Ghaziabad365) July 29, 2026
Baba Buda Amarnath Yatra: A Significant Achievement
Supporters of Bajrang Dal consider the revival of the Baba Buda Amarnath Yatra, located in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, to be one of the organization’s most notable achievements. According to the organization, this historic pilgrimage had come to a near-halt in the 1990s due to terrorism and cross-border shelling. Milind Parande, the VHP’s International Organizing Secretary, states that Bajrang Dal played an active role in resuming the regular conduct of this pilgrimage starting in 2005.
According to him, this initiative boosted the confidence of pilgrims, stimulated local economic activity and strengthened social morale in the border region. The organization also claims that this move helped curb the trend of migration and provided renewed strength to the local community. Today, the pilgrimage is also presented as a symbol of respect for Indian Army personnel and a testament to national integration.
Wide Scope of Service Activities
Bajrang Dal claims that its activities are not limited merely to cultural or organizational programs. The organization states that its blood donation network remains active across the country during emergencies, striving to supply blood according to hospital requirements. Similarly, ‘Gau-seva’ is a key activity of the organization; every year, its volunteers assist in rescuing cattle being transported illegally and transporting them to ‘gaushalas’. The organization also counts programs such as disaster relief, food distribution, assistance during natural disasters and social support as part of its regular service activities.
Support from the Sant Community and the VHP
Representatives of the Vishva Hindu Parishad and the associated saint community have frequently commended the role of the Bajrang Dal. According to them, the Bajrang Dal has performed remarkable work in organizing religious processions, engaging in social service, preserving culture and mobilizing the youth. The sant community holds the view that the organization has played an active role in safeguarding Indian traditions and religious events.
All Eyes on September 19
The next crucial phase in this matter is scheduled for September 19, 2026, when Mallikarjun Kharge is required to appear personally before the Sangrur court. If he complies with the court’s directives, the regular hearing of the case will proceed. Should he fail to appear without a valid reason, the court may consider further legal action.
