Priyank Kharge Hits Back at BJP MP Over RSS Remarks, Calls Comments Casteist

Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge has strongly criticised BJP MP Ramesh Jigajinagi for his remarks on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), describing them as casteist and questioning the message behind the comments.

The controversy began after Jigajinagi reportedly asked why a Dalit leader should be concerned about the RSS and warned that those who had challenged the organisation had not survived. His statement came amid an ongoing political dispute over Kharge’s demand for greater transparency from the RSS.

Responding to the remarks, Kharge raised a series of questions about Jigajinagi’s intentions. He wondered whether the BJP MP’s comments reflected frustration over his own position within the RSS, a warning to Dalits to stay away from the organisation, or an attempt to suggest that Dalits have no right to question it.

Kharge also questioned the meaning behind the statement that “no one has survived” after challenging the RSS.

“What does that mean? Is the RSS a terror organisation? Does it eliminate those who question it?” he asked.

Reaffirming his commitment to the ideals of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Kharge said he would not be frightened by threats or political pressure.

“I am a follower of Babasaheb Ambedkar’s ideology. The courage to question comes from him. Those who believe in Babasaheb do not know fear,” he said.

The exchange comes as Kharge continues to demand that the RSS publicly disclose details about its legal status, leadership structure, funding and expenditure. Earlier this week, he wrote to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat seeking greater transparency from the organisation.

Jigajinagi had criticised the demand, arguing that Kharge was unnecessarily targeting the RSS and questioning his suitability to hold the Home Minister’s post.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Pawan Khera also backed Kharge and accused the RSS and its supporters of responding to legitimate questions with caste based attacks.

Khera said Kharge had raised a valid issue by asking why the RSS was not formally registered and alleged that supporters of the organisation reacted aggressively instead of addressing the question.

He further claimed that the ideological conflict between the RSS and the Constitution has existed for decades and accused senior RSS leaders and BJP representatives of insulting Dalits.

Khera reiterated the Congress party’s demand for transparency, stating that RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat should make public all relevant documents concerning the organisation’s legal and administrative status.