Karnataka: RSS Activities Row Escalates, BJP MLA Challenges Congress with Controversial Questions
BJP’s T.S. Srivatsa questions Congress on RSS uniform, Friday caps, amid ongoing debate over Sangh activities in government spaces.
Mysuru: The political debate over RSS activities in government institutions in Karnataka has intensified, with BJP MLA T.S. Srivatsa throwing a provocative challenge to Congress leaders, questioning their stance on religious and ideological expressions.
Speaking to reporters in Mysuru on Monday, Srivatsa reacted strongly to Congress Minister Priyank Kharge’s recent letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in which Kharge demanded a ban on RSS events in government-run schools, temples, parks, and public spaces.
Srivatsa asked,
“What if we enter the Karnataka Assembly wearing RSS uniforms (ganavesh)? What will Congress leaders do then?”
He also posed a controversial counter-question:
“Can they dare to mock those who wear caps on Fridays?”
His comments appear to target both Kharge’s letter and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s recent remarks regarding Congress MLA Munirathna, who wore a black cap during an RSS event in Bengaluru. The “cap” reference is seen as a symbolic nod to Muslim attire worn during Friday prayers.
Srivatsa didn’t stop there. He said:
“Priyank Kharge’s letter is utter foolishness. And the Chief Minister’s response is even worse. Let Kharge attend just one RSS shakha (branch meeting). He’ll then understand what the Sangh really does.”
He went on to say:
“Why is Kharge so allergic to the RSS? No one can stop its activities. Today, they’re banning us as a ruling party. But when we return to power, we’ll do the same. We’ll walk into the Assembly in RSS uniforms and see what they do.”
Srivatsa also criticized Congress leaders for allegedly mocking the RSS anthem, saying:
“The same mouths that once recited ‘Namaste Sada Vatsale’ are now mocking the RSS cap. Isn’t that shameful?”
This war of words comes as the Karnataka government is reportedly preparing to ban RSS events on state-funded premises, a move initiated by Kharge’s letter and backed by Siddaramaiah. The issue has triggered a wider ideological clash between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP over freedom of expression, secular governance, and religious symbolism in public institutions.
