As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) commemorated its centenary year, a nationwide celebration of discipline, community service, and patriotic values, the Congress-led Karnataka government ignited a political firestorm. Minister Priyank Kharge, the son of Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, formally requested that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah impose a complete ban on RSS activities in government institutions, parks, and temples. The contentious letter, dated October 4, was made public by the Chief Minister’s Office on October 12, triggering claims that the government is laying the groundwork for an undeclared clampdown on a nationalist organization with deep roots in Bharatiya society.
As per the Organiser, in his letter, Priyank Kharge accused RSS branches of operating within government-aided institutions without formal approval. He alleged that volunteers “raise sticks and spread hatred among children” within such premises, actions he deemed unconstitutional and socially disruptive. He demanded that these gatherings be halted immediately. This was not his first salvo: earlier, Kharge had pledged that if Congress held power at the Centre, it would seek to ban the RSS nationwide by following due legal process. These prior remarks had triggered sharp condemnation from the BJP, which accused him of harboring an “anti-Hindu mindset.” With the letter now institutionalized, critics view the move as an intentional shift from rhetoric to administrative action against the Sangh.
This move may be a diversion tactic from internal fissures plaguing the state government, particularly tensions between CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, as well as growing public discontent over corruption, power outages, and rising crime rates. Targeting the RSS, with its widespread grassroots network, could serve as a calculated attempt to redirect public attention. In essence, the confrontation over a socio-cultural institution becomes a political battleship.
Priyank Kharge’s letter: Baseless claims against RSS
In this official letter, Priyank Kharge attempts to portray the RSS as a threat to children, youth, and educational institutions, claiming that its activities somehow influence government and private schools, colleges, and other institutions. He goes on to suggest that RSS-run schools and centers could negatively affect students and the public at large. The letter is filled with vague accusations, fear-mongering, and unsubstantiated claims, without citing a single concrete example or proof. It attempts to link an organization devoted to social service, nation-building, and cultural work to imagined harm, a narrative that is entirely speculative and misleading. In reality, this letter is an exercise in political posturing, spreading baseless rumors, and attempting to malign a respected organization without any factual grounding. The claims are not only nonsensical but also reflect a desperate and irresponsible approach to public discourse.
A legacy of resilience
The RSS has weathered multiple bans in Bharat’s post-independence era and emerged stronger each time. In 1948, following Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, the Nehru government proscribed the RSS; after an inquiry, the ban was lifted in 1949. During the 1975 Emergency, the RSS was again outlawed; thousands of its volunteers were jailed, but the organization later revived itself and played a key role in forming the Janata alliance. After the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition, an administrative ban targeted the RSS, VHP, and Bajrang Dal but was struck down by courts in 1993 for lack of legal basis. Throughout these phases, the RSS consistently maintained a nonviolent stance, focusing on social service and nation-building.
Service over slogans
Supporters argue the Sangh’s strength lies not in political back-channel power, but in visible acts of constructive public service. From aiding soldiers in the 1962 Indo-China War to providing disaster relief during floods, earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic, RSS volunteers have frequently stood at the forefront of society. Their public perception is built on discipline and service, not partisan politics.
Media war and hashtag battles
Following the letter’s release, social media platforms erupted with the hashtag #BanRSS, largely driven by left-leaning and Islamist voices. The narrative painted the RSS as “fascist” and “Hindu nationalist,” but observers noted the campaign’s orchestration, seeing it as part of an ideological war to weaken Bharat’s largest socio-cultural movement. The Congress move, in their view, is less about procedural legality and more about a clash of worldviews, one that fears the Sangh’s growing social influence.
Nature of RSS activities
RSS shakhas, early morning gatherings held in schools, parks, and temples, focus on physical training, yoga, discipline, and community harmony. They claim to engage in no direct political activity. The Sangh’s motto, “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah” (“May all be happy”), is invoked to underscore its aspirational, inclusive vision. Thus, opponents’ objections to these sessions seem more about discomfort with their social influence than any constitutional issue.
BJP leaders launched ‘I Love RSS’ campaign
In swift response, BJP leaders launched an ‘I Love RSS‘ campaign, positioning the Sangh as a symbol of patriotism and unity. They argued that while Congress seeks to suppress Bharat’s foundational spirit, the RSS embodies discipline, the love of the nation, and service to society. In Kalaburagi, Priyank Kharge’s home district, posters declaring “Whoever loves Bharat also loves RSS” went up across major junctions, with enthusiastic backing from local BJP leaders. The campaign quickly gained traction on social platforms, effectively countering Kharge’s demands.
Voices from the ground
In Mysuru, former MP Pratap Simha scorned the feasibility of Priyank Kharge’s proposal: “Even Nehru’s Congress couldn’t ban the RSS. How can Siddaramaiah, a successor to that lineage, do it now?” He argued that the Sangh’s roots were far deeper than any political vendetta. Meanwhile, Sri Rama Sene founder Pramod Muthalik defended the RSS’s legacy, contrasting it sharply with Congress’s track record of alleged divisiveness. He criticized the party’s selective outrage, calling out Congress for remaining silent when anti-national slogans are raised, yet targeting an organization revered by millions.
Beyond the immediate politics, this clash raises profound questions: Can an elected government unilaterally suppress a nonviolent socio-cultural organization that is deeply woven into Bharat’s public life? Does ideological bias justify administrative overreach under the guise of public policy? The lines between constitutional propriety and political vendetta blur when institutions like the RSS become battlegrounds.
The RSS has historically combined its social service initiatives with the promotion of a nationalist ideology rooted in the concept of Rashtriyatha. Beyond community-level work, the organization has been involved in disaster relief efforts across Bharath, providing food, shelter, and medical aid during floods, earthquakes, and other calamities. Its volunteers often reach remote areas rapidly, contributing to community resilience and public welfare. Over the decades, RSS-affiliated institutions have also emphasized education, skill development, and literacy, fostering self-reliance and civic awareness among local populations.
In addition to relief and educational programs, RSS has engaged in broader nation-building and community development efforts, including health camps, sanitation drives, and rural development projects. By promoting a nationalist vision intertwined with social responsibility, the organization seeks to integrate ideological work with tangible societal impact. While its ideology is distinct, the RSS’s consistent involvement in grassroots development, humanitarian work, and civic initiatives demonstrates its role in strengthening both community welfare and a sense of national unity across Bharath.
Kharge’s statements are nothing more than political theatrics, aimed at spreading fear and misinformation. The RSS is a volunteer-based organization that has been actively involved in nation-building, social service, and cultural preservation for decades. There is no evidence or credible report suggesting any illegal activity that warrants such extreme action. Kharge’s words are pure conjecture spat from his mouth without any grounding in reality and reflect a desperate attempt to malign an institution that has consistently contributed to the country. This is not just misleading; it is an attack on truth itself. The nation must recognize these claims for what they are: baseless, politically motivated, and completely disconnected from reality. The call for an RSS ban is not only absurd but also unworthy of serious consideration.
