BJP and VHP Launch Scathing Attack on Karnataka Minister Over RSS Comments
Bengaluru: The Karnataka unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) launched a sharp and coordinated attack on Monday against IT-BT minister Priyank Kharge for his critical remarks about the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The political firestorm erupted after Kharge questioned the RSS's funding sources and organizational structure, prompting strong rebukes from opposition leaders who accused the Congress party of pursuing a hidden agenda and engaging in appeasement politics.
BJP State President BY Vijayendra Questions Congress Registration
In a strongly worded statement, BJP state president BY Vijayendra countered Kharge's allegations by turning the focus onto the Congress party itself. He demanded, "Before questioning the registration of other organisations, Priyank should first ensure the registration of the Karnataka unit of Congress, headed by his father Mallikarjun Kharge, is not cancelled." Vijayendra went further, alleging that targeting the RSS, belittling Hinduism, and singling out pro-Hindu activists were part of what he described as Congress's "hidden agenda."
Vijayendra also criticized the Kharge family's political legacy, claiming that despite enjoying prolonged political power, the Kalyana Karnataka region—where the Kharges hail from—remained backward. He questioned, "What contribution has Priyank made to the development of the region after becoming a minister?" and accused the minister of using criticism of the RSS to cover up failures and gain publicity.
VHP Condemns Remarks as Insult to Patriotic Organisations
The VHP joined the fray, calling Kharge's remarks an "attempt to insult patriotic organisations and defame individuals associated with them." Milind Parande, VHP national organisational secretary, stated that such comments only reduce the societal acceptance of those making them. He asserted, "They are trying to increase their credibility and trying to indulge in appeasement with such remarks, both of which will not succeed."
Parande added, "There are many forces and persons in India who have a problem with the awakening of Hindutva. They come up with such nonsense. Using such words and insulting patriotic organisations shows their intellectual bankruptcy." In a dramatic comparison, Vijayendra used mythological imagery, likening the RSS to Lord Shiva consuming poison to bring forth nectar, standing firm against what he termed "anti-Hindu venomous forces," while comparing Congress to the invasive parthenium weed.
Priyank Kharge's Original Comments and Defense
The controversy stems from an event in Bengaluru on Sunday, where Priyank Kharge tore into the RSS, questioning its funding and alleging it operates as a "network" with more than 2,500 organisations, including in America and England. He accused these groups of involvement in money laundering, asking, "Where is their guru dakshina (donation) coming from?" and noting, "When every rupee of others is being accounted for, why is there no accountability for their (RSS) money?"
Kharge had also likened the RSS to a demon and described the BJP as its shadow, stating, "We are fighting the shadow; if we fight the demon directly, the country will progress." He questioned why the RSS should not be registered like other clubs and associations, emphasizing transparency and accountability.
Kharge Counters BJP with Development and Governance Issues
In response to the attacks, Priyank Kharge defended his comments and countered the BJP's allegations. He pointed to the backwardness of the Kalyana Karnataka region, arguing, "Kalyana Karnataka is a backward region. If you had understood that this regional imbalance has historical and geographical reasons, the BJP-led central govt would not have refused to grant special status under Article 371J."
Taking a swipe at Vijayendra, Kharge retorted, "Was not your father BS Yediyurappa a four-time chief minister? Why was Shivamogga not developed like Singapore?" He also clarified the purpose of the Anti-Communal Task Force, stating, "The Anti-Communal Task Force was not formed to draw rangoli designs, but to curb communal conflicts and maintain peace and harmony."
This exchange highlights the deepening political rift in Karnataka, with both sides leveraging historical grievances, development critiques, and ideological battles to score points ahead of future electoral contests.
