Bengaluru, Oct 13 (NationPress) Karnataka's Minister for Rural Development, Panchayat Raj, IT, and BT, Priyank Kharge, on Monday defended his push for a ban on the public activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He clarified that his father, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, attended an RSS event in 2002 solely to caution them against provoking unrest.

His comments followed the BJP's release of a photo depicting Mallikarjun Kharge at an RSS function in Bengaluru, accusing him of double standards considering his son's call for a ban on RSS operations.

During a press conference in Bengaluru, Priyank Kharge labeled the BJP's claims as “misleading propaganda.”

He noted that in 2002, when Mallikarjun Kharge was the Home Minister of Karnataka, he attended the RSS meeting in Shivajinagar, a sensitive communal area, after conducting a peace conference.

“At that time, the RSS held a convention in a delicate region. As Home Minister, my father attended to maintain peace and warned them against any communal violence, which would lead to imprisonment,” Priyank stated.

“In the photograph, police officials, including former Bengaluru Police Commissioner S.P. Sangliana, are present. I challenge the BJP to provide any evidence that Mallikarjun Kharge was an invited guest at the event. He was there merely to issue a warning,” he continued.

Reaffirming his position, Priyank said, “His presence was solely to prevent any mischief.”

Continuing his critique, Priyank Kharge accused the BJP of being “a puppet of the RSS.”

“Without the RSS, the BJP would not exist. The BJP is insignificant without the RSS, which in turn relies on religion,” he emphasized, asserting that his opposition stems from ideology, not religion.

“I do not oppose Hindus or Hinduism. My opposition lies with the RSS because its ideology undermines equality and disrespects the Constitution. Without the Constitution, we cease to exist,” he expressed.

Citing violent incidents in Mangaluru and the Malnad region, Priyank alleged that the victims of RSS-related violence were primarily from disadvantaged backgrounds, not the children of BJP officials.

“The indoctrination occurring in educational institutions and public areas must cease,” he asserted.

He questioned the privileges enjoyed by the RSS, stating, “If other organizations conducted marches with sticks, would they be permitted? Why does the RSS receive different treatment? What justifies this special privilege?”

Moreover, he raised concerns regarding the organization's funding and transparency.

“If the RSS claims to operate as an NGO, let them provide their registration certificate. How did they accumulate assets worth Rs 300-400 crore? Where does this funding originate? We demand transparency and reform,” he said.

Priyank concluded that true social and economic equality cannot be achieved without limiting the influence of divisive organizations.

“Organizations such as the RSS must be excluded from society if we aspire for genuine equality,” he added.