RSS Row In Karnataka Heats Up, Priyank Kharge Challenges BJP's Vijayendra To Public Debate

Last Updated:October 12, 2025, 23:40 IST

Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge has challenged state BJP chief BY Vijayendra to a public debate on the history and contributions of the RSS and Hindutva ideologue VD Savarkar

A war of words has erupted between Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge (L) and BJP leader BY Vijayendra (R) after the Congress leader wrote to CM Siddaramaiah seeking a ban on RSS activities in the state. (Image: PTI/File)

A war of words has erupted between Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge and BJP leader BY Vijayendra after the Congress leader wrote to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking a ban on RSS activities in the state.

Priyank Kharge has challenged BY Vijayendra to a public debate on the history and contributions of the RSS and Hindutva ideologue VD Savarkar.

“I would like to challenge Vijayendra to a public debate anytime – let him come and speak on the history of the RSS and on how Savarkar plotted to defeat Babasaheb Ambedkar," Kharge told News18.

Kharge recalled how “they" (the BJP) did not know who gave Savarkar the title ‘Veer’ when he had earlier asked them about it on the floor of the House. 

“They don’t know why they didn’t hoist the national flag for 52 years. They don’t know why they went against Subhas Chandra Bose when he was forming the Indian National Army; why did they align with the British?" he said. 

In his latest letter to Siddaramaiah, he has written that all RSS events in government and aided  schools, as well as colleges, parks, and endowment temples, must be banned. 

Vijayendra, who is the state BJP chief, hit back with a photograph of Priyank Kharge’s father and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge attending preparations for the RSS Samarasata Sangama held in Bengaluru’s Nagawara back in 2002, when he was the state home minister. 

“The then Home Minister Shri Mallikarjuna Kharge, along with other ministers, visited the RSS camp site and extended full cooperation for the event. They praised the RSS’s society-oriented activities, asking Kharge to provide any example of the RSS crossing boundaries of discipline, restraint, or peace in public or private spaces," stated a post shared by Vijayendra. 

Kharge, however, continued to attack the RSS and said: “Then why did Sardar Patel ban them? Why did Indira Gandhi ban them? Our mistake was lifting the ban. I don’t think Mr Vijayendra himself is aware of the history of the RSS," adding that this is about protecting students and children.

“The RSS is using government schools and public grounds to organise demonstrations and hurl slogans, instilling ideas in the minds of children. Police are overseeing these demonstrations with sticks, which can negatively affect students. If they want to hold these events, let them do it at Keshav Krupa. Nobody will object there. But children in government institutions come to study, not to be taught any ideology or philosophy. Parents decide what religion, texts, and practices their children follow," he said.

Vijayendra, meanwhile, defended the RSS. In tweets, he said chants of ‘Bharat mata ki jai’ from RSS shakhas, by both the young and the old, appear to have unnerved those used to hearing ‘Pakistan zindabad’ slogans. He accused the Congress government of targeting the organisation while ignoring security threats from across state borders.

“The RSS works for the Sarvangeena Unnati – the holistic progress of Bharat. Successive Congress governments have tried to ban the RSS, but failed every time. The RSS ideology of nationalism and social reform always triumphs over anti-national designs," he said in a post on X.

He warned that Karnataka, praised by Naada Kavi Kuvempu as ‘Bharata Jananiya Tanujaate’ – the proud daughter of Bharat Mata – will not tolerate backstabbing.

“The barking of dogs does not ruin the divine realm. Words lacking civility, dignity, or character cannot constitute political criticism; at best, they reflect the filth of politics," he added.

The Congress leader’s letter to the chief secretary, dated October 4, had requested that government permission not be granted for RSS programmes in schools, colleges, public parks, and endowment temples. He also sought intervention from the chief minister to ensure that no government-run premises are used for these activities, citing their potential impact on students and youth.

He said he would like to know the “top 10 achievements" of the RSS and have them explain what has been accomplished.

“Why are they not registered as an NGO, as the Prime Minister once called them the biggest NGO in the world from the Red Fort, yet they are not registered; why?" he asked.

Rohini Swamy

Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18’s digital platform. She has previously worked with t...Read More

Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18’s digital platform. She has previously worked with t...

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News politics RSS Row In Karnataka Heats Up, Priyank Kharge Challenges BJP's Vijayendra To Public Debate

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