The political climate in Karnataka has intensified following a contentious exchange between a prominent RSS leader and Congress leader Priyank Kharge, the state's Minister for Information Technology and Rural Development. The dispute centers around Kharge's call for a ban on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities in government institutions and public spaces across the state.
Kharge has asserted that government-owned facilities should serve the public and not be used to promote any political or ideological agendas. He has accused the RSS of "spreading hate," conducting "aggressive drills with sticks," brainwashing young people in schools, and lacking transparency regarding the organization's funding. Kharge has also questioned why children of BJP leaders do not participate in RSS shakhas. He believes the RSS is using these public spaces to "poisoning the minds of young children… indoctrinating religion into them".
The call for a ban has been met with strong opposition from BJP leaders, who accuse Kharge of political vendetta and targeting nationalist organizations. Rajya Sabha member Narayansa Bhandage criticized Kharge and questioned his understanding of the RSS.
The controversy escalated when Kharge shared a video on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, showcasing abusive language allegedly used against him, his family, and senior Congress leaders. Kharge attributed this behavior to "RSS brainwashing" and said the video reflected the mindset the organization is creating among youth. "Is this the culture the RSS claims to teach — abusing mothers and sisters, even those of Prime Minister Narendra Modi or RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat?" Kharge questioned. He also compared the attacks he has faced to those once endured by Mahatma Gandhi and Babasaheb Ambedkar.
In response to Kharge's allegations, BJP leaders have launched an "I Love RSS" campaign to show solidarity with the organization. They maintain that the RSS promotes discipline, nationalism, and service and accuse the Congress of dividing society for political gain. Some BJP leaders have also pointed to a past event in 2002 where Kharge's father, Mallikarjun Kharge, then Home Minister, visited an RSS event and praised their social service activities. Priyank Kharge has dismissed this as "false propaganda," clarifying that his father's visit was to ensure law and order during the event.
The political back-and-forth has also involved comparisons between the RSS and the Taliban, with some Congress leaders alleging similarities in ideology and approach, particularly regarding restrictions on women and disregard for the constitution. These comparisons have further fueled the fire, drawing sharp criticism from BJP leaders who defend the RSS as a patriotic organization.
The Karnataka government has taken note of the situation, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directing the Chief Secretary to review actions taken by the Tamil Nadu government regarding bans on RSS activities in government spaces. Meanwhile, Kharge has reported receiving threatening phone calls and has been assured of full support by the state's Home Minister. Security around Kharge's residence has been heightened following the threats.
The controversy continues to unfold, raising questions about the role of the RSS in public life and the limits of political discourse in a charged environment. The state Cabinet has approved steps to consolidate rules regarding public gatherings on government premises. This will ensure that anyone holding an event or celebration must seek prior permission from authorities, and failure to comply will attract legal action.
