Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge has once again raised questions on the funding of the RSS, the BJP’s ideological parent, calling the 100-year-old organisation the “biggest threat to our democracy”.
The junior Kharge’s comment comes after Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge sparked a controversy with his remarks ” Modi ka baap bhi jayega “, in response to an audience member’s comment that “the PM would not go anywhere”, during an event in Bihar’s Patna on Sunday. As the BJP outraged opver the comments, the Congress claimed that a a BJP worker first insulted Kharge’s late father while he was speaking in Patna which prompted the veteran leader to refer to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “ideological father”, the RSS. “Kharge ji referred to Modi ji’s ideological father, the RSS, stating not only Modi ji will go but the RSS will also go,” Pawan Khera, Congress’ media and publicity department head, said. Along with the attack, the state Minister also threw in an advice: ” register ho jao bus (get yourselves registered)”. “You (RSS) are the world’s largest NGO, you are the biggest nationalist, the greatest people in the history of India, you should lead by example by following the rules, by adhering to the Constitution, register ho jao, bus (Simply get yourselves registered),” he said.
Earlier on Wednesday, Kharge questioned the RSS’ claim of being a cultural organisation and asked Mohan Bhagwat, RSS chief, to clarify whether the organisation was cultural or political, alleging that it frequently commented on political, economic, defence and foreign policy matters.
The RSS held route marches at several locations across Karnataka on Sunday as part of its centenary celebrations and Vijayadashami, amid tight police security and a political controversy over permissions, with BJP leaders accusing the Congress government of “harassing” the organisation.
