“Who Listens to Them?” – Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Slams Priyank Kharge’s Call to Ban RSS in Govt Premises

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday firmly rejected Congress leader Priyank Kharge’s demand to restrict Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities in government-run schools, colleges, public parks, and Muzrai temples. Addressing reporters, Fadnavis remarked, “Who listens to them?”, taking a swipe at the opposition’s stance.

Recalling the historical attempt by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to ban the RSS, Fadnavis added, “Even she eventually had to step back. We don’t even consider it appropriate to respond to such people.”

The controversy erupted after Kharge sent a letter on October 12 to Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, urging that government institutions not allow RSS programs. Kharge argued that his action was aimed at protecting children’s futures and described RSS ideology as “poisonous.” He clarified, “I have not written the letter against RSS; I have written it for the children and their future, for the future of the children of our state.”

Karnataka’s BJP reacted by sharing a photograph of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge from 2002, showing him attending an RSS camp at Nagavara, Bengaluru. The BJP highlighted that Mallikarjun Kharge had praised RSS social initiatives and offered support. They further told Priyank, “First, learn your family’s history and then talk about nation servitude.”