A political controversy has flared up in Karnataka after Minister Priyank Kharge wrote to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, advocating for a ban on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities within government premises.
In his letter, the Rural Development and IT Minister alleged that the RSS was disseminating divisive ideas among children and young people by holding shakhas (gatherings) and meetings in government schools, playgrounds, and temples. He urged the Chief Minister to impose a complete ban on such programmes, condemning them as unconstitutional and contrary to the spirit of national unity.
The Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party swiftly countered the move by sharing an old photograph of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge — Priyank Kharge’s father — visiting an RSS event in Nagavara, Bengaluru, in 2002, when he served as the state’s Home Minister.
The party posted on X: “Look here, @PriyankKharge! Your father personally visited the camp, appreciated the RSS’s social service activities, and extended full cooperation. Are you putting on an act today to impress the high command?”
Priyank Kharge hit back, labelling the BJP’s claims as “false propaganda.” He clarified that his father had visited the site only after chairing a peace committee meeting with officials and community representatives.
“He had gone there with the then Police Commissioner, Sri Sangliana, to caution your people against disturbing law and order,” Priyank wrote, adding that Mallikarjun Kharge had made it clear that the organisers must “abide by the law of the land or be prepared to face the consequences.”
Also read: No link between dinner meet and cabinet rejig: Siddaramaiah
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