Karnataka Minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge on Sunday strongly objected to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) conducting programs in government-run premises across the state. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s son wrote to the Chief Secretary on October 4 that permission should not be granted for RSS programs on government school and college grounds. He further appealed to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah that such activities be disallowed in public parks and Muzrai (endowment) temples.
Sharing the letter written in Kannada on X, Kharge stated, “An organisation called the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is using government schools and public government grounds to organise demonstrations and hurl slogans, instilling negative thoughts in the minds of children. The police are carrying out unauthorised demonstrations with sticks, which are negatively impacting the minds of innocent children and youth.”
Kharge went on to urge for “a complete ban on all types of activities conducted by the RSS, including ‘shakhas’, ‘sanghiks’ and ‘baithaks’, in government institutions, government-aided schools and public premises”.
RSS centenary celebrations
The statement comes amid central government’s support for the RSS during its centenary celebrations. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP leaders lauded the organisation, the Congress has maintained its critical stance.
Earlier, the Government of India issued special commemorative coins and postage stamps to mark RSS’s 100th anniversary.
Congress criticise BJP
Reacting on issuance of special commemorative coins and postage stamps, Congress leader Pawan Khera criticised the BJP and said, “If they had to issue a coin for RSS, they should have made it for Rs 60, which is how much pension [Vinayak Damodar] Savarkar used to get from the British government.”
Khera added, “No matter how many stamps are printed, coins issued, or how much RSS is inserted into the curriculum, this country was [Mahatma] Gandhi’s, is Gandhi’s, and will remain Gandhi’s.”