Bengaluru: The political war over Priyank Kharge’s letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urging a ban on RSS activities in government premises has escalated sharply, with senior BJP leaders Pralhad Joshi and Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra launching a scathing counterattack on the Congress leadership.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi dismissed the letter as a “politically motivated stunt,” asserting that the Congress party is repeating its historic mistake by attempting to target the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
“These kinds of letters come and go — even Priyank Kharge probably doesn’t understand what he has written. His grandfather once tried to suppress similar organizations. Today, he’s trying to walk the same failed path,” Joshi remarked.
Taking strong objection to the idea of banning the RSS, Joshi warned,
“The BJP will not sit quiet if anyone tries to impose restrictions on the RSS. Instead of targeting nationalist volunteers, let them try banning those who roam around with swords and bombs. If they have courage, act against them.”
Joshi also condemned the reported altercation involving BJP MLA Munirathna at a recent Bengaluru event, calling it a sign of the Congress government’s growing intolerance.
“If the government allows such assaults on legislators, it’s a dangerous trend. People can clearly see the Congress’s double standards — one rule for Hindus and another for others,” Joshi said.
Vijayendra Calls Kharge’s Move “Foolish and Politically Driven”
BJP Karnataka President B.Y. Vijayendra hit out at Priyank Kharge, calling the letter a “display of immaturity and political desperation.”
“Priyank Kharge, who holds a responsible position, has acted recklessly by writing such a baseless letter to the Chief Minister. This only exposes his political immaturity,” Vijayendra said.
He pointed out that the Congress party itself had earlier imposed and withdrawn bans on the RSS, only to later acknowledge the organization’s national contributions.
“It was Congress that banned the RSS decades ago, and the same Congress later allowed it to participate in Republic Day parades. Priyank Kharge should remember his own party’s history before making such absurd statements,” he added.
Vijayendra accused Kharge of trying to gain favour with the Gandhi family and positioning himself for higher political aspirations.
“It’s clear that Priyank Kharge has written this letter to impress the Gandhi family — perhaps even eyeing the Chief Minister’s chair in the future,” Vijayendra quipped.
He further noted that the Congress has been “repeatedly targeting the RSS” even as the organization marks a major milestone this year.
“While the RSS is celebrating its foundation anniversary and conducting nationwide programs, Congress leaders are busy writing divisive letters. Time will deliver the right answer to their political games,” he concluded.
With both Pralhad Joshi and B.Y. Vijayendra now joining the chorus of criticism, Priyank Kharge’s letter has ignited a full-blown political storm in Karnataka. The Congress’s ideological offensive against the RSS has provided the BJP with fresh ammunition to accuse the ruling party of “appeasement politics and historical hypocrisy.”
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