Congress leader Priyank Kharge said that if the Congress comes to power at the center, the RSS will be banned across the country. He accused the Sangh of spreading hatred and inciting violence in society.
RSS Ban Statement: Priyank Kharge, son of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and a minister in Karnataka, has created a stir in political circles by making a b statement against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He has said that if a Congress government is formed at the center, the RSS will be banned across the country through legal processes. This statement comes at a time when opposition parties are repeatedly accusing the Sangh and the BJP of communal politics.
Why the Attack on RSS?
Priyank Kharge directly alleged that the RSS is working to spread hatred in society. He questioned why unemployment is increasing in the country and how the terrorist attack in Pahalgam happened. He asked why the Sangh is silent on these serious issues and does not question the government. Priyank said that the role of the RSS is only to spread communalism and that if the Congress comes to power, it will be banned under legal procedures.
Questions Raised on the Impartiality of Investigation Agencies
Priyank Kharge, questioning the central government's investigation agencies – such as the ED, IT, and CBI – said that these agencies are only taking action against opposition leaders. He asked why the funding of the RSS is not investigated and what the source of their income is. He alleged that many people in the Sangh are making hate speeches and statements about changing the constitution, yet they are escaping legal action.
Demand for a Ban Made Before
This is not the first time that Priyank Kharge has talked about banning an organization. Earlier, during the Karnataka assembly elections, the Congress had said in its manifesto that it would ban organizations like the Bajrang Dal and PFI, which divide society on the basis of religion and caste.
Then too, Priyank had said that strict action would be taken against any organization that disturbs the peace of the state. When asked whether the RSS and Bajrang Dal were also included in this list, he had replied, "Whoever breaks the law, action will be taken."
RSS Has Faced Bans Before
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was founded on September 27, 1925, on the day of Vijayadashami, by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. The organization has faced bans three times so far.
1948: After the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, the RSS was banned for 18 months. It was then said that the Sangh's ideology had a role in Bapu's assassination.
1975: During the Emergency, the Indira Gandhi government banned the RSS. This ban lasted for two years.
1992: After the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, the Sangh was banned once again. However, this was only in effect for 6 months.
