Is Congress Using RSS to Distract from Governance Failures?
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Synopsis
In a fierce critique, BJP's Chalavadi Narayanaswamy accuses Congress of neglecting critical state issues while diverting attention to the RSS foot march. This article delves into the political tensions surrounding recent events in Karnataka and raises pressing questions about governance and accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Denial of RSS march permission raises concerns
- Critique of local administration's decisions
- Accusations of negligence in governance
- Discussion on social organizations and politics
- Calls for accountability from political leaders
Bengaluru, Oct 18 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, has raised concerns regarding the refusal to grant permission for the Rastriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) foot march in Chittapur and the removal of banners and buntings, even after a fee of nearly Rs 6,000 was collected for their installation.
He criticized this as an arbitrary decision by the local administration and an act of misconduct by Minister Priyank Kharge.
The Chittapur assembly constituency is represented by Minister for RDPR, IT and BT Priyank Kharge.
While addressing the media at the BJP state office, Jagannath Bhavan in Bengaluru, he responded to inquiries regarding the suspension of a PDO linked to the RSS march. He stated, “RSS is not a political party; it is an organization like any other public association. Anyone can participate in it. There is also a directive from the central government.”
Challenging Minister Priyank Kharge and Congress MLC B K Hariprasad, he remarked, “The AICC has a unit for nomadic communities, and from Karnataka, Dr A.S. Prabhakar, a professor at Hampi University, has been appointed as its national convener. Is this illegal? Or is being part of a social organization wrong?”
He demanded a response from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.
He further criticized, “In Congress, you can appoint anyone to work, but why should working in organizations be considered wrong? To cover up mishaps happening in the state, they are bringing up the RSS issue. I am only responding because a question on RSS was asked. RSS is an organization that works for the country; it is a gathering of patriots.”
Narayanaswamy questioned, “Priyank Kharge, a girl from Kalaburagi was raped in Mysuru. Aren’t you the minister from Kalaburagi? Did you go there and inquire about what happened? Do you have compassion for those nomadic and poor people? In Bijapur, a 9-year-old girl was raped and murdered — have you bothered about that? In your own hometown, the roof of a school in Wadi collapsed. Only because it was a holiday were the children saved. Did you take any action on that?
A librarian in your region committed suicide because he was not paid his salary. Did you bother about that? In your own department, watermen (Niraganti) have not been paid for 23 months. To hide such issues and to escape being called incompetent, you keep shouting ‘RSS, RSS’,” he said.
He charged, “Why do you hold a ministerial position? You have failed to discharge your duties as a minister. You are misleading people and playing with their lives. No compensation has been given for floods and droughts; contractors have not been paid; they say you are demanding 80 percent commission. Without addressing such issues, you keep focusing on petty matters. You are unfit to govern. Priyank Kharge is arrogant and irresponsible. He cannot remain quiet, always looking for conflict,” he alleged.
“You (Priyank Kharge) yourself come from the Dalit community. You know what the situation of Dalits in this society is. Has Priyank Kharge ever worked in a single Dalit organization?” Narayanaswamy asked.
Point of View
The ongoing tensions between the BJP and Congress in Karnataka highlight a broader issue of governance and accountability. The focus on the RSS march may indeed serve as a distraction, but it also reflects underlying societal concerns that deserve attention. As the political landscape evolves, it is crucial for all parties to prioritize the welfare of the people they serve.
NationPress
18/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main issue raised by Chalavadi Narayanaswamy?
Chalavadi Narayanaswamy objected to the denial of permission for the RSS foot march in Chittapur and the removal of related banners, calling it an arbitrary act by the local administration.
Why did Narayanaswamy criticize Minister Priyank Kharge?
He accused Priyank Kharge of failing to address serious issues in his constituency and of diverting attention away from governance failures by focusing on the RSS.
What does Narayanaswamy say about the RSS?
He defends the RSS as a patriotic organization and emphasizes that it is not a political party but a public association open to all.
What allegations did Narayanaswamy make regarding the treatment of Dalits?
He questioned whether Priyank Kharge has ever worked in any Dalit organization, implying a lack of concern for the issues faced by the Dalit community.
What broader implications does this conflict have?
This issue reflects ongoing political strife in Karnataka and raises questions about governance, accountability, and the effectiveness of local leadership.
