Karnataka Minister labels RSS as 'anti-Constitutional'; BJP slams Congress for divisive politics.
BENGALURU , July 1, 2025 – Karnataka Minister and senior Congress leader Priyank Kharge, son of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, stirred a political storm after publicly stating that the Congress party would ban the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) if it comes to power at the Centre. His remarks, delivered during a political event in Karnataka, have set off a fierce exchange between Congress and BJP leaders.
Kharge Labels RSS as "Anti-Constitutional"
Kharge asserted that the RSS, the ideological parent of the BJP, “spreads communal hatred” and operates “against the values of the Indian Constitution.” He said, “The RSS has no respect for the Constitution or Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision. If we are in a position to form government, we will not hesitate to take action, including a ban.”
The comment comes amid ongoing ideological clashes between the two national parties, especially in states like Karnataka, where BJP and Congress continue to challenge each other’s narratives on secularism, nationalism, and governance.
BJP Responds Sharply: ‘Congress Exposing Its Anti-Hindu Agenda’
BJP leaders were quick to condemn the remark. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi accused the Congress of “playing with fire” and attempting to divide society for political gains. “Targeting an organization like the RSS that promotes discipline and national service is nothing short of an attack on Indian culture,” he said.
Karnataka BJP leaders, including former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, demanded an apology from the Congress high command and warned that such rhetoric would only backfire electorally.
RSS Maintains Silence, Congress Defends Its Stand
While the RSS has not officially responded, Congress leaders defended Kharge’s position. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar reiterated that “any organization spreading hate and undermining secular values must be held accountable.”
Some within the Congress argue that this is a calculated political move to reinforce the party’s secular credentials and counter BJP’s Hindutva-driven campaign narrative ahead of state assembly elections in several key states over the next two years.
Legal Challenges to a Ban
Legal experts have weighed in, pointing out that banning the RSS would be a complex legal undertaking. Senior constitutional advocate Sanjay Hegde noted that a ban would require solid evidence of anti-national activities and judicial backing. “Previous bans on RSS were controversial and temporary. A modern-day ban would face significant legal and political resistance,” he said.
A Legacy of Conflict
The RSS has been banned three times in India’s history — post-Gandhi assassination in 1948, during the Emergency in 1975, and briefly in the aftermath of the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992. However, each time, the organization re-emerged stronger, gaining significant public and political influence.
Political Implications Ahead
Though general elections are not due until 2029, Kharge’s statement is seen as part of the Congress’s broader ideological pushback against the BJP. Political analysts say the remarks may help consolidate secular and minority support in upcoming state elections like those in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Jharkhand in 2024–2025, but could also alienate moderate Hindu voters.
As political temperatures rise, Priyank Kharge’s bold statement has reignited the decades-old debate on the role of the RSS in Indian politics — and how far parties are willing to go in their battle for ideological supremacy.
