RSS Leader Accuses Congress of "Spewing Venom" After Priyank Kharge's Comments on Banning RSS Activities in Government Institutions

RSS national executive member Indresh Kumar has strongly responded to remarks made by Karnataka minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge about the organization.

New Delhi:

A senior RSS leader has declared that making hostile comments about the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has become a pattern for the Congress party.

Indresh Kumar, who serves on the RSS national executive committee, addressed critical statements made by Karnataka minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge targeting the RSS.

"The country continues to suffer because instead of promoting unity, Congress has fostered division. Criticizing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has evolved into a standard practice for that party. The Congress party has now developed a habit of expressing venomous sentiments about the RSS. They would benefit from developing a better understanding of the RSS and should refrain from discussing it," Kumar stated.

Kharge ignited controversy after requesting Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to prohibit RSS activities in government educational institutions.

"RSS activities influence young minds in a harmful way, which serves neither the country nor society. I've formally requested the Chief Minister to ban RSS activities and their 'Baithaks', including those held at archaeological and state-owned temples. They are free to conduct these in private residences. We don't object to that, but government property shouldn't be utilized for their mass indoctrination," he explained.

The minister later revealed he had received threats following these statements. In a subsequent communication to the Chief Minister, Kharge advocated for strict prohibition of government officials and employees from joining or participating in any organizational activities.

The BJP has responded critically to the minister's comments, with state party president Vijayendra Yediyurappa claiming his remarks demonstrate the Congress's "perverse and anti-Hindu mindset."

Alleging that the state government is targeting officials who participate in RSS activities, he added, "The Congress, notorious for imposing emergency rule on the nation and strangling democratic processes in the past, is now following the same path in Karnataka. Historical evidence shows that when divisive politics and authoritarian tendencies are displayed, the people of this country will diminish them to insignificance, as history has repeatedly demonstrated."