The political row over the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) intensified in Karnataka on Tuesday after BJP leaders strongly criticised Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge for questioning the organisation’s legal status and functioning.
The controversy began after Priyank Kharge reportedly wrote to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, seeking clarity on the organisation’s legal status, registration, and sources of funding. His remarks triggered a sharp response from BJP leaders, who accused the Congress of trying to divert attention from governance failures in the state.
Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra accused Kharge of engaging in “selective moral outrage” while ignoring controversies linked to his own party.
“Transparency sounds rich coming from someone who belongs to a party like Congress, whose political ecosystem still owes the nation clear answers on the National Herald controversy,” Vijayendra said in a post on X.
He alleged that Kharge’s criticism of the RSS was aimed at pleasing the Congress high command and protecting his political position in the state government.
‘RSS Does Not Need Congress Certificate’
Defending the RSS, Vijayendra described it as one of the world’s largest voluntary organisations built on discipline, service, sacrifice and dedication to nation-building.
“The RSS does not require a certificate of legitimacy from the Congress. It is already registered in the hearts of crores of patriotic Indians,” he said.
He pointed to the organisation’s role in relief work during natural disasters, blood donation campaigns, and tribal welfare programmes, saying its activities are conducted openly and transparently.
Vijayendra further alleged that Kharge was raising the issue to distract public attention from what he called the failures of the Congress-led Karnataka government.
In a controversial remark, Vijayendra also claimed that some extremist organisations operating under minority identities were involved in anti-national activities and receiving illegal foreign funding. He questioned why Kharge had not sought answers from such organisations.
“Institutions that spread religious fanaticism and encourage opposition to nationalism do not seem to catch your attention,” Vijayendra alleged.
BJP Leaders Target Kharge’s Motives
Senior BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, also criticised Kharge, invoking Mahatma Gandhi’s suggestion that the Congress should be dissolved after independence.
“Mahatma Gandhi had proposed transforming Congress into a Lok Sevak Sangh focused on public welfare. Why has Congress not followed his wishes?” Narayanaswamy questioned.
He also challenged Kharge to approach the courts if he had legal concerns about the RSS.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai said the Home Minister should focus on law and order issues rather than questioning the RSS.
“There are atrocities against women and many unlawful incidents happening in the state. Instead of focusing on serious issues, Priyank Kharge is trying to question the RSS to impress his party high command,” Bommai said.
Senior BJP leader R. Ashoka also accused Kharge of using the RSS issue for political gain and internal Congress positioning.
“In an attempt to curry favour with the high command and emerge as a chief ministerial candidate, Priyank Kharge has chosen to make the RSS a political target,” Ashoka said.
He called Kharge an “utter flop minister” and accused him of failing in portfolios previously assigned to him.
Priyank Kharge’s Letter Sparks Political Storm
Priyank Kharge had reportedly written to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat asking the organisation to explain the legal basis of its functioning and clarify its financial sources and donation structure.
The BJP argued that RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had already addressed such concerns in the past and accused Congress leaders of repeatedly targeting the organisation for political purposes.
“Attacking the RSS may temporarily satisfy your high command, but it will not hide the failures of your government,” Vijayendra said.
