Kateel challenges Priyank Kharge on RSS, calls for probe into BJP cross-voting

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jun 23, 2026: Former Karnataka BJP president Nalin Kumar Kateel challenged newly appointed State Home Minister Priyank Kharge to question the Chief Minister in the Assembly over his alleged participation in an RSS prayer, instead of raising the issue of the RSS registration.

Speaking to reporters in Mangaluru, Kateel said many leaders currently in the Congress had received training through the RSS and Kharge should question them as well. He alleged that the Home Minister was focusing on publicity rather than addressing pressing issues facing the state.

“Instead of discussing whether the RSS is registered or not, he should focus on the real problems of Karnataka. It appears he is more interested in publicity than in carrying out his responsibilities as Home Minister,” Kateel said.

He further alleged that Kharge was seeking national attention and neglecting key issues under the Home Department. According to Kateel, concerns such as drug abuse among school and college students and the activities of drug mafias require urgent attention.

“There has been little discussion on tackling the drug mafia since Priyank Kharge assumed office as Home Minister. Rather than addressing internal security concerns, he is diverting attention to other issues,” he said.

Defending the RSS, Kateel said the organisation had been working since before Independence and had played a role in nurturing patriotic citizens. He claimed that several national leaders had appreciated the RSS over the years.

Referring to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Kateel said Priyank Kharge should first seek answers regarding incidents from his father’s childhood before commenting on the RSS registration issue.

Kateel also praised the RSS for promoting patriotism and character-building, stating that former Prime Ministers such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi had emerged from its ranks. He urged Kharge to focus on Home Department responsibilities instead of debating the RSS registration issue.

Bringing God Into Politics and Taking Oaths Is Not Appropriate, Says Nalin Kumar Kateel

Kateel said invoking God and administering oaths in political matters is not appropriate in the present political environment.

He said legislators who had been elected on BJP tickets owed loyalty to the party and that cross-voting was unacceptable. However, he suggested that the matter should be investigated internally rather than through public displays of oath-taking.

Kateel noted that Karnataka BJP president B. Y. Vijayendra had expressed concern over the issue and proposed a meeting of BJP legislators at Dharmasthala, where all 64 BJP MLAs would take an oath. While acknowledging Vijayendra’s anguish, Kateel said the party functioned on trust and confidence and that an internal inquiry should be allowed to proceed.

“The issue of cross-voting by BJP legislators should not become a public spectacle. Those responsible must certainly be identified and punished. The BJP has the strength to find the culprits, and I stand with Vijayendra in ensuring strict action against those who have betrayed the party,” he said.

Kateel pointed out that a committee headed by C. T. Ravi, Mahesh Tenginakayi and Mahesh Shivaram had already been constituted to conduct an internal investigation. He suggested waiting for the inquiry to be completed before considering further measures.

Responding to a question on C.T. Ravi’s statement that a report would be submitted to party leaders within two days, Kateel said the BJP was known for its discipline and would take action against anyone found guilty.

When asked whether he would attend any such meeting if convened, Kateel said participation in party activities was a responsibility and that he would attend whenever the party required his presence.