Bengaluru, June 9 (IANS) Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State President B.Y. Vijayendra on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the state’s Home Minister Priyank Kharge over his remarks against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), accusing him of engaging in “divisive rhetoric” and diverting attention from governance issues.

In a statement, Vijayendra said that “governments have come and gone” and noted that several previous administrations that attempted to ban the RSS were “ultimately rejected by the people,” while the organisation continued to function for nearly a century.

He asserted that the RSS operates “within the framework of the Constitution of India,” which he said Kharge has sworn to uphold as a minister. Vijayendra also referred to the RSS completing 100 years of its existence, stating that its continuity reflected public acceptance.

Taking a political swipe, the BJP leader alleged that criticism of the RSS was being used to generate headlines rather than address governance priorities.

He further claimed that Priyank Kharge’s Gulbarga constituency was performing poorly on development indicators, which he attributed to “years of inadequate governance and ineffective leadership.”

“Attacking the RSS may generate headlines, but it does little to improve the lives of the people who elected you,” Vijayendra said, adding that the people of Karnataka and Gulbarga deserved “better governance, meaningful development, accountability, and leadership” instead of distraction from core issues.

It may be recalled that, reacting to alleged abusive remarks on social media against him, Home Minister Priyank Kharge had said, “I have not even completed 48 hours since taking charge as Home Minister, and yet your fear, your anxiety, and your distress are clearly visible. You are already using the RSS to abuse me and issue life threats against me. Go ahead and do what you want. Most importantly, please convey my greetings to your ‘Body of Individuals’ and also ask them to keep the documents ready for the registration of your political superior organisation.”

He also stated that RSS must be accountable and questioned the organisation’s registration status, tax exemptions and financial transparency.

Earlier in the day, angered by Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge’s statement against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), BJP MLC C.T. Ravi advised him not to behave in a “goonda-like” manner and to maintain the dignity of the office of Home Minister.

He also warned that if power is misused, incidents similar to those in West Bengal, where political leaders were allegedly attacked and chased, could be repeated in Karnataka.

–IANS

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