Are Threats and Abuse Justified for Questioning RSS? Says K'taka Minister Priyank Kharge

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Priyank Kharge faces threats after criticizing the RSS.
- Calls for a ban on RSS activities in public institutions.
- Allegations of sexual harassment within the RSS.
- Importance of freedom of speech and political dissent.
- Controversy underscores the need for transparency in organizations.
Bengaluru, Oct 14 (NationPress) Karnataka's Minister for RDPR, IT and BT, Priyank Kharge, revealed on Tuesday that he and his family have faced threats and abuse over the last two days for challenging the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and calling for a prohibition on its operations in public areas.
In a post on social media platform X, Priyank, who is the son of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, expressed, "For the past two days, my phone has been inundated with calls filled with threats, intimidation, and the most vile abuse directed at me and my family, simply because I had the audacity to challenge and limit RSS activities in government educational institutions and public spaces."
He added, "I am neither shaken nor surprised. When the RSS did not spare Mahatma Gandhi or Babasaheb Ambedkar, why would they spare me?"
Priyank further asserted, "If they believe that threats and personal attacks will silence me, they are gravely mistaken. This is just the beginning of my fight."
He emphasized, "It is essential to create a society based on the ideals of Buddha, Basavanna, and Babasaheb, a society grounded in equality, reason, and compassion, and to rid this nation of the most dangerous viRuSS."
Previously, Priyank had sent a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah advocating for a ban on RSS activities within public spaces and on school and college grounds, which ignited a controversy. In response, the BJP circulated a photograph depicting Mallikarjun Kharge at an RSS meeting in Bengaluru and criticized him.
In defense of his call for a ban on the RSS's public activities, Priyank stated on Monday that his father attended an RSS event solely to caution them against causing disruptions.
Additionally, in light of a recent suicide incident involving a Kerala man allegedly due to prolonged sexual abuse at RSS camps, Priyank Kharge claimed that instances of sexual harassment are also occurring within the RSS in Karnataka.
Kharge remarked, "If one examines the victim's post on Instagram, it is evident that he suffered from sexual harassment at RSS events. This issue is not confined to Kerala; it is happening here in Karnataka too."
He also mentioned, "An individual named Hanume Gowda has authored a book detailing how sexual harassment is prevalent within the RSS. I have consistently stated that the RSS is one of the most secretive organizations globally. Why is there such secrecy, and who are they?"