Bengaluru, Oct 21 (NationPress) In response to the Congress-led Karnataka government's criticism of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its alleged attempts to undermine it, the BJP asserted that the Sangh possesses the capability to confront "hundreds of Priyank Kharges and Siddaramaiahs."

At a media briefing in Bengaluru on Tuesday, the Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R. Ashoka, stated, "The RSS has the strength to face numerous Priyank Kharges and Siddaramaiahs. It has stood against former Prime Ministers like Nehru and Indira Gandhi."

Priyank Kharge serves as the Minister for RDPR, IT, and BT, and is the son of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge. Siddaramaiah is currently the Chief Minister of Karnataka.

“The organization has withstood Prime Ministers; who is Siddaramaiah? He is merely an outgoing Chief Minister. The public is dissatisfied with this government and desires change. The RSS does not take him seriously,” Ashoka remarked.

He further emphasized, “The RSS operates independently and is a robust social organization backed by the populace of this nation. The RSS is active in 56 countries.”

In a jab at Siddaramaiah's origins, Ashoka quipped, “Where is Siddaramaiah's organization? It exists merely in a 'hundi,' referring to his native village, Siddaramanahundi. The RSS is unconcerned about this and takes it lightly.”

“The RSS has confronted far greater challenges in its century-long history. It has disregarded prominent leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav and Mulayam Singh Yadav. Are the Congress leaders in Karnataka mightier than them?” he queried.

“The RSS has never been swayed by such figures. And who is CM Siddaramaiah? He will not hold his position for long. The RSS has simply ignored Siddaramaiah and Priyank Kharge's attempts to oppose it,” he stated.

In response to CM Siddaramaiah's recent comments about Tejasvi Surya, where he claimed the Bengaluru South MP "represents darkness,” Ashoka retorted, "If one looks into a mirror, they will understand who truly embodies darkness.”

“The state’s pothole-ridden roads convey a clearer narrative of the situation. That’s why Siddaramaiah often opts for helicopter travel,” he added sarcastically.

Continuing his critique, Ashoka remarked, “What if Tejasvi Surya responds with a personal jab? Siddaramaiah once won an election by a mere 256 votes and recently managed to win with only 3,000 votes. He has faced defeat three times, while Tejasvi Surya wins by a margin of 400,000 votes.”

Ashoka also called for transparency from the Congress administration. “They should publish a white paper detailing how much funding Karnataka received during PM Modi's tenure over the past decade—for railways, road upgrades, and the Jal Jeevan Mission.

“To draw a comparison, create a chart illustrating the funds allocated during the UPA government under Manmohan Singh against those provided by the current NDA government under Narendra Modi. The Modi government has granted Karnataka five times more,” he asserted.

“Yet they won’t disclose that. Instead, they continuously criticize PM Modi. Can they name a single flyover, bridge, or hospital built by the state government?” he challenged.

“Prime Minister Modi is celebrated by international leaders. They have even shown him reverence for providing COVID vaccines. Has Siddaramaiah or the Congress leadership ever received such invitations? They believe criticizing PM Modi will elevate their status,” Ashoka concluded.