Ashoka Alleges Priyank Kharge Targeting RSS for Political Mileage
The remarks came in response to Kharge's letter to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat urging to register itself, disclose its finances, and be transparent and accountable
Kalaburagi: Accusing Priyank Kharge of seeking political mileage through his criticism of the RSS, Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka alleged that the state home minister was attempting to win the favour of the Congress high command and project himself as a future chief ministerial aspirant.
The remarks came in response to Kharge's recent letter to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, in which the Karnataka home minister urged the organisation to register itself, disclose its finances, and function as a transparent and accountable body. Kharge had also called upon the RSS to use its centenary year for "constitutional introspection".
In a post on X with the hashtag #CongressFailsKarnataka, Ashoka alleged that Kharge was using the RSS as a political target to impress the Congress high command, bolster his prospects within the party, and deflect attention from what he described as his poor performance as a minister.
“Priyank Kharge's latest political strategy appears aimed at quietly challenging DK Shivakumar, who dreams of becoming the Congress party's chief ministerial candidate in the 2028 Assembly elections. In his eagerness to win the favour of the Gandhi family-led high command in Delhi and project himself as the next chief ministerial aspirant, Kharge has chosen to make the RSS a target,” Ashoka stated.
The leader of the Karnataka State Assembly opposition accused the Karnataka home minister Kharge of failing in every department he has handled, including Information Technology and Biotechnology, Rural Development, and his role as minister in charge of Kalaburagi district.
“He has earned the distinction of being one of the most unsuccessful ministers in Karnataka's history. Having achieved nothing on the development front, he is now desperately trying to attract the attention of the Congress high command by using the home department portfolio. For that reason, he spends all 24 hours of the day chanting the name of the RSS and making desperate attempts to remain in the news and on social media,” he added.
“Do those who protect anti-national elements and befriend forces responsible for division of the country have the moral right to question the RSS?,” Ashoka questioned.
Ashoka also questioned the Congress party's moral authority to criticise the RSS, alleging that it had allied with organisations linked to the Muslim League tradition for political gain. He further accused Kharge of remaining silent over "Pakistan Zindabad" slogans allegedly being raised outside the Vidhana Soudha and claimed that he had defended those involved.
“It is therefore not only ridiculous but the height of shame that those who protect such an anti-national mindset are questioning the legality and patriotism of the RSS, a nationalist organisation that has served Mother India selflessly and without expectation for the past hundred years,” he added.
