Karnataka Minister for Home Priyank Kharge on Monday, 13 July launched a wide-ranging attack on the Centre in Bengaluru, targeting the Union government's foreign policy amid reports of renewed US-Iran hostilities, criticising the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and issuing a stern warning that any official in his department found associating with criminals would face strict disciplinary action.

Kharge's Criticism of the Centre's Foreign Policy

Commenting on reports of fresh hostilities between the United States and Iran, Kharge alleged that the Union government's foreign policy lacked direction. 'Our country's foreign policy has been mortgaged to Donald Trump,' he said, further questioning whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi had effectively ceded control of India's external affairs to the RSS.

He also raised concerns about India's preparedness during past international crises, alleging that inadequate planning had placed the country in a difficult position. On fuel prices, Kharge alleged that the Centre had raised prices when global crude oil was around $100 per barrel but had not reduced them proportionately when crude fell to approximately $40 per barrel.

He questioned the effectiveness of the Ministry of External Affairs, asking what tangible benefits ordinary Indians had gained from Prime Minister Modi's overseas engagements.

Kharge's Remarks on RSS and Population Debate

Responding to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's remarks on population, Kharge accused the organisation of ideological contradiction. He questioned how self-described 'bramhacharis' — celibates — could advise others to have three or four children while simultaneously claiming to protect religion and culture.

'They ask others to have three or four children while they themselves claim to be celibates. There is considerable confusion in their ideology. They do not know what their own organisation stands for or what is written in their constitution,' he alleged.

Kharge also referred to recent controversies involving the RSS and its affiliates, alleging that merely issuing a press note was insufficient. He claimed that office-bearers involved belonged to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), which he described as an RSS affiliate, and demanded a public apology rather than expressions of regret. He further referenced an earlier statement allegedly made by Bhagwat in Kerala, questioning why the organisation was now attempting to suppress the issue.

Warning Over Officials Photographed with Criminals

Reacting to reports that BJP MLA S.R. Vishwanath had been photographed with history-sheeters, Kharge alleged the incident reflected the Bharatiya Janata Party's broader political culture. He claimed the BJP had a history of maintaining links with criminal elements.

Kharge said he had already issued instructions to officials in his department on the matter. While initial explanations suggested some officials had posed for photographs due to 'coordination' during official duties, he made clear that such justifications would not be accepted.

'If any official in my department is found associating with rowdy-sheeters, strict action will be taken,' he said.

What Comes Next

Kharge stated he had no expectations from the Central government on these issues, signalling that the Karnataka government intends to act independently on departmental accountability. The remarks are likely to deepen the ongoing political friction between the Congress-led state government and the BJP at the Centre, with the RSS controversy adding another layer to an already charged political climate.