Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat has sparked a political controversy in Karnataka after comparing Hinduism to the RSS organization. The comparison has drawn strong condemnation from Congress leaders in the state.
Congress Leader's Strong Reaction
Karnataka Congress leader and MLC Manjunath Bhandari has strongly criticized Bhagwat's remarks, calling them condemnable and demeaning to the Hindu faith. Bhandari expressed his disapproval of equating Hinduism, which he described as having a core philosophy of unity in diversity, with what he termed as an unregistered organization or association.
The Congress leader emphasized that Hinduism represents a profound spiritual tradition that transcends organizational boundaries. By comparing it to a specific organization, Bhagwat has according to Bhandari, diminished the essence and universal appeal of the ancient faith.
The Controversial Comparison
The remarks were made by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat during a recent address, though the exact context and venue of the speech weren't specified in the initial report. What has particularly angered the Congress leadership is the characterization of Hinduism as being comparable to an organizational structure.
Manjunath Bhandari specifically objected to the description of RSS as an unregistered organization being used in the same context as Hinduism. He argued that this comparison fails to acknowledge the philosophical depth and historical significance of the religion that has evolved over thousands of years.
Political Implications in Karnataka
The criticism comes at a time when political tensions in Karnataka remain high. The Congress party has positioned itself as a defender of religious values while opposing what it sees as the politicization of religion by Sangh Parivar organizations.
The controversy erupted on November 11, 2025, when Bhandari made his statements public. The timing suggests this could become another flashpoint in the ongoing political and ideological battles in the southern state.
This incident adds to the growing list of confrontations between the Congress party and RSS-affiliated groups in Karnataka. The state has witnessed several such ideological clashes in recent months, reflecting the broader national political divide.
As the controversy develops, political observers are watching how this will impact the relationship between religious organizations and political parties in Karnataka. The Congress party appears determined to challenge what it perceives as attempts to appropriate religious symbolism for organizational purposes.
