Angered by Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge’s comments about the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), BJP MLC C.T. Ravi urged him to uphold the dignity of his position and avoid behavior resembling that of hooligans. Ravi cautioned that misusing power could lead to incidents similar to those in West Bengal, where political figures were reportedly assaulted and pursued.
Kharge had remarked, “I have not even completed 48 hours since assuming the role of Home Minister, and yet your fear, anxiety, and distress are evident. You are already using the RSS to defame me and issue threats against me. Go ahead and take action. Most importantly, please convey my regards to your ‘Body of Individuals’ and also instruct them to prepare the documents for registering your political superior organization.”
He also emphasized the need for accountability from the RSS and raised questions about the organization’s registration status, tax benefits, and financial transparency. Responding to reporters in Bengaluru, Ravi defended the RSS as a patriotic group that should not be attacked. He suggested that the Home Minister should focus on addressing what he termed as “subversive elements involved in bomb-making” rather than engaging in political rhetoric.
Ravi urged the Home Minister to prioritize issues such as alleged illegal immigration from Bangladesh, drug trafficking, robberies, and cases of missing women and girls in Karnataka. He expressed concerns about law and order, warning that uncontrolled incidents could harm the state’s reputation. Ravi also alleged that Karnataka police should investigate how Maharashtra police recently uncovered a drug trafficking operation in Mysuru.
Citing historical instances, Ravi mentioned former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi’s actions against the RSS. He questioned Kharge’s ability to make an impact given his father’s tenure as Home Minister. Ravi stressed that the RSS focuses on societal organization and discipline, emphasizing that it is not a political or commercial entity but aims to promote social order and individual discipline.
In conclusion, Ravi advised the Home Minister to quell disturbances rather than incite them, cautioning that stirring unrest for political motives would backfire.
