In a bold and controversial statement that has ignited a fresh round of political tensions, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, son of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, declared on Tuesday that lifting the ban on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was a mistake made by the Congress party. His remarks, which came amidst an ongoing ideological debate over the Constitution, have provoked sharp responses from the BJP and affiliated organisations like the VHP.

Priyank Kharge made the statement following RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale’s call for removing the words “socialist” and “secular” from the Indian Constitution. The RSS, which is often seen as the ideological parent of the BJP, has long held controversial positions regarding India's founding document, according to its critics.

Kharge’s remarks have not only reignited discussions around the Constitution and ideological divisions, but also led to a storm of political counterattacks, particularly from BJP leaders and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

“Lifting RSS Ban Was a Mistake” – Priyank Kharge’s Strong Words

Speaking to the media, Priyank Kharge reiterated Congress’s historical opposition to the RSS, stating that the party had banned the organisation multiple times in the past.

“We have opposed the ideology of the RSS in the past also and had banned them two-three times. Lifting the ban was our mistake. They fell at our feet, saying they wouldn’t indulge in anti-national activities. There are documents for this,” Kharge said.

He cited the ban imposed by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel after Mahatma Gandhi's assassination and another by Indira Gandhi during the Emergency, asserting that the RSS had pleaded to follow the law of the land in order to get the ban lifted.

When asked whether Congress would consider banning the RSS again if it came to power at the Centre, Kharge responded:

“We will see. This won’t be the first time. There cannot be one law for the rest of the country and another for the RSS.”

RSS Is “Anti-national”, Says Kharge

Taking his criticism further, Kharge labelled the RSS as “anti-national”, pointing to their alleged role in sowing communal discord and rejecting constitutional values.

“Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar defined anti-nationals as those who create animosity through caste and religion and impede the country's progress. By that definition, RSS is anti-national,” he added.

Kharge also referred to past instances where RSS members allegedly disrespected the Constitution by burning it and endorsing Manusmriti as an alternative guiding text.

“Didn’t they say they want Manusmriti as our Constitution? Isn’t that anti-national behaviour?”

Kharge also accused the RSS of deflecting from national issues such as unemployment, external threats, and terrorism by focusing on communal agendas instead.

BJP Hits Back: “Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne”

The BJP swiftly countered Kharge’s remarks, with party MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar mocking him for making unrealistic claims about banning the RSS.

“Change his name to ‘Mungerilal ke haseen sapne’. They’ve tried to ban RSS before and suffered heavy defeats. If Congress really has the courage, why don’t they ban it in Karnataka, Himachal, or Telangana?” Mungantiwar challenged.

He further reminded Kharge that the Supreme Court has declared RSS a cultural organisation, making any attempt to ban it legally untenable.

VHP Slams Remarks as “Absurd”

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) also condemned Kharge’s comments. Vinod Bansal, the national spokesperson, called them “absurd and repetitive”, stating:

“This is not the first time he has made such a controversial statement. He has previously made several absurd remarks against Sanatan Dharma.”

Bansal added that such statements expose Congress’s continued ideological disconnect with the nation’s cultural ethos.

A Deeper Political Rift Over Constitutional Values

The timing of this controversy is significant, coming at a time when debates around constitutional amendments and ideological realignment are dominating political discourse.

The RSS’s recent call to reconsider terms like “secular” and “socialist” in the Constitution’s Preamble has sparked concerns among opposition parties. These terms were introduced during Indira Gandhi’s rule via the 42nd Amendment in 1976.

Kharge’s statement is seen as a strong defence of the original constitutional vision and an attempt by the Congress to reassert its ideological identity in contrast to what it calls the “communal agenda” of the BJP and its affiliates.

Congress Taps Into Old Faultlines

By invoking historical episodes such as Sardar Patel’s post-Gandhi assassination ban on the RSS and Indira Gandhi’s Emergency-era ban, Congress is attempting to draw parallels between past authoritarian tendencies and current concerns.

Kharge’s use of terms like “anti-national” and references to Manusmriti highlight an ideological war that goes beyond electoral politics and taps into deep philosophical and moral divides.

Conclusion: Renewed Ideological War in Indian Politics

Priyank Kharge’s remarks have reignited the dormant but potent ideological battle between the Congress and the RSS-BJP camp. While Congress is positioning itself as the defender of secular and socialist values, the BJP and its allies dismiss these charges as outdated and politically motivated.

The episode highlights the fragile balance between freedom of expression, political rhetoric, and legal frameworks in India. As the 2029 General Elections inch closer, more such ideological confrontations are expected to surface.

With Constitutional values like secularism and socialism under renewed debate, and historic bans on organisations like the RSS being brought into mainstream discourse, Indian politics appears set for a deepening divide along ideological lines, one that will likely shape both public sentiment and party strategies in the months ahead.

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