Priyank Kharge Criticizes BJP’s Sambit Patra over RSS Remarks

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has sharply criticized BJP MP Sambit Patra for his remarks regarding Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). In a statement made on March 16, 2024, Priyank Kharge accused the BJP leader of defending an organization he claims has rejected the Constitution and sought to impose the Manusmriti, a historical legal text.

Priyank Kharge questioned, “Since when did Sambit Patra become so eloquent to discuss about Mr. Kharge? It is Congress’s ideology that the Constitution and constitutional values should be respected and protected. How can we accept an organization that rejected the constitution and wanted Manusmriti to be adopted instead?” His remarks reflect an ongoing political clash concerning the role of the RSS in Indian society.

The Karnataka minister further challenged the RSS on its funding and registration status, expressing concerns about its activities being promoted from public institutions. “Why are they not registered, is what we are asking? Where are they getting their money from? Who is Mohan Bhagwat and why are his speeches being telecast live? Their activities should be banned in government premises,” he asserted.

This exchange follows a recent attack launched by Sambit Patra, who stated that Mallikarjun Kharge’s language mirrored that of extremist groups. During a press conference, Patra claimed, “The language used by Mallikarjun Kharge today is that of PFI, Muslim League… These extremist organizations raise voices against the RSS because the latter wants to bring everyone together.”

Political tensions surrounding the RSS have intensified, particularly following Priyank Kharge’s earlier request to state Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to prohibit RSS activities in government schools and temples. He accused the organization of “brainwashing young minds” and promoting a philosophy that contradicts constitutional values.

On the other side, RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale publicly opposed calls for a ban on the organization, emphasizing its commitment to nation-building. “There must be a reason behind the ban. What will be gained by banning an RSS that is engaged in nation-building? The public has already accepted the RSS,” he stated during a press conference in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.

The RSS, founded in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur, recently celebrated its centenary. The organization has faced scrutiny over the years, particularly after the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948, when it was temporarily banned due to allegations of influence over the assassin, Nathuram Godse. The ban was later lifted, and subsequent investigations cleared the RSS of direct involvement in Gandhi’s murder.

The ongoing exchanges between the BJP and Congress highlight the deep ideological divides in Indian politics, particularly regarding the perception and influence of the RSS in contemporary governance and society.