Should RSS Be Banned Again? Priyank Kharge's Stance

Kalaburagi, July 4 (NationPress) Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has once again emphasized the necessity of banning the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). During a press briefing in Kalaburagi, Kharge, who serves as the Minister for RDPR, IT and BT and is the son of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, asserted, "I have stated this previously - we succeeded in banning the RSS before, and if given a chance in the future, we will do it again. They are anti-national entities."

Referencing the Father of the Constitution, B. R. Ambedkar, Kharge remarked, "Ambedkar articulated who qualifies as anti-national. In his final address, he clearly indicated that following our independence, our priority must be on fostering social and economic advancement. However, caste is anti-national in India. Anyone who, under the guise of caste and religion, hampers social and economic progress and incites discord among communities is anti-national."

"In today’s climate, who is instigating communal discord? Who is advocating for 'one nation, one religion'? Who claims they do not support the Constitution? Who insists that if granted 400 seats, they will alter the Constitution? It is the RSS and the BJP," he articulated.

In response to the BJP's assertion that Congress will not regain national power, Kharge countered, "Who currently holds power? Whenever we were in charge, we banned them. We will ban them anew. Why are they eager to head to prison?"

Addressing the BJP's persistent claim that Congress will not return to power, he stated, "Let them sit tight. Why this rush? The RSS has reached its centenary - let them list ten contributions they’ve made toward nation-building."

"Let them clarify what progress they have achieved in terms of economic equality and social cohesion. Where are their funding sources? They are constructing office facilities worth ₹300–400 crores. Where does this money originate from?" he probed.

Kharge pointed out that even the BJP’s own Constitution contains the terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’. "Let the RSS first eliminate those terms from the BJP Constitution. BJP leaders don’t even grasp the Constitution of India. At the very least, they should be familiar with their own party’s Constitution," he remarked.

He continued, "BJP representatives are merely puppets of the RSS. Why should we fear them? Don’t take my word for it — delve into history. Why did it take the RSS 52 years to unfurl the national flag? We did so in 1947. They waited until Atal Bihari Vajpayee became Prime Minister. Why?"

"Did they champion the 'Simon Go Back' slogan? Did they engage in the Quit India Movement? The Dandi March? Which Round Table Conference did they attend? Where were they?" he queried.

Kharge also scrutinized the legacy of Veer Savarkar. "Did Savarkar not encourage individuals to enlist in the British army against Subhash Chandra Bose? Did he not accept a pension from the British? Did he not pen apology letters? Don’t take my word for it — consult their magazine 'Organiser'."

When asked about BJP MLC N. Ravikumar's comments towards Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, Kharge stated, "Ravikumar has ties to the RSS. The RSS disregards the Constitution; they adhere to Manusmriti. It is well-known what Manusmriti advocates regarding women. Ravikumar has a tendency to make derogatory remarks."

"The court has rebuked him, and yet he has failed to apologize. Following that, he made another inappropriate comment in front of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. This showcases his vile mindset and language," Kharge expressed.

"Numerous individuals facing severe accusations of crimes against women are part of BJP administrations nationwide. I challenge BJP leaders - apply Manusmriti in your households first. Let’s see what your wives and daughters have to say about it," he concluded.