"RSS is nation’s top patriotic organization": BJP’s Ravi Kumar slams Priyanka Kharge in Mangaluru

"RSS is nation’s top patriotic organization": BJP’s Ravi Kumar slams Priyanka Kharge in Mangaluru

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Oct 14, 2025: BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Ravi Kumar, addressed a press conference in Mangaluru, launching a fierce verbal attack against the Congress party and Minister Priyanka Kharge over her recent remarks on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Ravi Kumar strongly defended the RSS, calling it the “world’s number one patriotic organization.” He criticized Priyanka Kharge for her comments about the RSS, stating that her remarks stemmed from “ignorance and arrogance.” “She speaks about the RSS without having any real understanding of its work,” he said.

The BJP leader accused Kharge of being unaware of the organization’s extensive social service activities and daily shakhas (branches), which he claimed number in the thousands across the country. “RSS has given India two of its greatest Prime Ministers. Priyanka Kharge is blinded by pride and ignorance,” he added.

Ravi Kumar challenged the state government, asking why no action is being taken against radical outfit SDPI. “If the government has the courage, let them take action against those who indulge in violence in Shivamogga, Mangaluru, Kolar, and Kalaburagi,” he said, questioning the government’s selective approach to law and order.

He also alleged that while Congress governments serve biryani to jailed terrorists, they fear when RSS volunteers march with discipline. “RSS teaches self-reliance and national service. What’s so frightening about that?” he asked.

Referring to past associations of national leaders with the RSS, Ravi Kumar recalled how Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had studied the organization closely. “Even Nehru allowed RSS participation in the Republic Day parade. What did Nehru or Indira Gandhi say about the RSS? Learn your history before you speak,” he remarked.

He also took a jibe at the Deputy Chief Minister, questioning whether he would be removed for singing the RSS prayer. “Should I name Congress leaders who were once part of the RSS?” he asked.

On Priyanka Kharge, he said, “To answer her, even a school principal is enough.” He also targeted Congress leader B.K. Hariprasad, stating, “No matter how much he criticizes RSS, he will never become a minister.”

Ravi Kumar asserted that thousands of RSS shakhas operate in Karnataka and even claimed that members of Congress families attend them regularly. “Mothers in Congress households even donate money to the RSS,” he said.

In closing, Ravi Kumar warned the Congress about attempts to ban the RSS. “Even the Chief Minister knows what the consequences of such a move would be,” he said.

The press meet in Mangaluru marked one of the most direct attacks by a BJP leader against the state’s ruling party and reflected the ongoing political friction over ideological lines in Karnataka.