Priyank Kharge Doubles Down on RSS Remarks, Calls Organisation a ‘Threat to Constitutional Values’

Bengaluru: Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge escalated his criticism of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Wednesday, asserting that the organisation represents a “cancer” to India’s constitutional fabric and unity. The remarks follow his earlier statement suggesting that the Congress may consider banning the RSS if voted to power at the Centre.

Kharge, who holds the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, IT, and BT portfolios, reiterated that the RSS promotes ideology that stands in contrast to India’s national anthem, flag, and Constitution. He argued that any corrective action against such forces must come from within the constitutional framework itself.

The Congress leader, who is also the son of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, further claimed that BJP leaders are compelled to defend the RSS not out of ideological commitment, but out of political necessity. “Their loyalty is tied to Nagpur,” Kharge remarked, referencing the RSS headquarters. “Even if they disagree privately, they must support the organisation to protect their positions.”

Taking the criticism a step further, Kharge questioned the sincerity of BJP leaders’ allegiance to the RSS. “If they truly believed in the values of RSS, their children would be attending shakhas instead of modern schools. No BJP leader sends their child to learn at an RSS camp, and that speaks volumes,” he added.

The remarks have triggered sharp responses from BJP leaders across Karnataka. State BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra and MLA V. Sunil Kumar have dismissed the minister’s comments as divisive and politically motivated.