The Aryavarth Express Hubballi (Karnataka): BJP MLA Mahesh Tenginkai on Monday criticised Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge over his recent remarks targeting the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to take action.
Tenginkai accused Kharge of repeatedly making statements against the RSS instead of focusing on development issues in the state. He said the RSS is a national organisation that works for the country and questioned why the Chief Minister had not responded to what he described as “daily statements” against the organisation.
“I would like to ask Priyank Kharge directly — instead of discussing development and investment in Karnataka, they are speaking about the RSS and BJP. We request the Chief Minister to take action on such remarks,” Tenginkai said.
The BJP leader’s comments came after Kharge, at a book release event in Bengaluru, questioned the funding sources of the RSS and its affiliated organisations. Kharge alleged that thousands of organisations are linked to the RSS and claimed that funds are collected from multiple countries, raising concerns about financial transparency.
He further criticised the explanation of “Guru Dakshina” as a funding mechanism, arguing that organisations should function within constitutional and legal frameworks. Kharge stated that he would continue raising the issue until the RSS is formally registered under constitutional provisions.
In addition, Kharge took aim at recent religious discourse, alleging that interpretations of the Ramayana were being politicised. He also referred to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, accusing leaders of making statements on social issues while distancing themselves from personal accountability.
The exchange has added to the ongoing political sparring between the BJP and Congress in Karnataka, with both sides trading sharp remarks over ideology and governance.
