‘Calls filled with threats…’: Priyank Kharge receives abuse over RSS remarks; urges govt to eliminate 'dangerous virus'

NEW DELHI: Karnataka minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge on Tuesday said that he has been receiving threatening calls and abusive messages for questioning the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in government schools, colleges and public institutions.In a post on X, he wrote: "For the past two days, my phone hasn’t stopped ringing. Calls filled with threats, intimidation and the filthiest abuse directed at me and my family, simply because I dared to question and restrain RSS activities in government schools, colleges and public institutions."Kharge said that he wasn't surprised after receiving the calls. He added that if anyone thinks threats and personal attacks will silence him, they are mistaken."But I’m neither shaken nor surprised. When the RSS didn’t spare Mahatma Gandhi or Babasaheb Ambedkar, why would they spare me?" Kharge asked.Kharge called for building a society based on equality, reason and compassion, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Buddha, Basavanna, and Babasaheb Ambedkar. He also urged the government to eliminate what he called the "most dangerous virus.”"It is time to build a society founded on the principles of Buddha, Basavanna and Babasaheb, society rooted in equality, reason and compassion and purge this nation of the most dangerous viRuSS," he wrote in his post.Earlier, Kharge had written to Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah requesting a ban on all RSS activities in government schools, colleges, public playgrounds, parks, state-run temples and other government premises.In the letter, he alleged that RSS shakhas were being conducted in government and government-aided institutions, where “slogans are shouted and negative ideas are instilled in the minds of children and youth.”He further claimed that “without obtaining police permission, aggressive displays are being carried out while wielding sticks,” which could have harmful psychological effects on students.Kharge emphasised that the RSS’s belief system is contrary to India’s ideals of unity and secularism.“When divisive forces that sow hatred among people raise their heads, our Constitution, founded on integrity, equality, and unity, grants us the authority to curb such elements and uphold the nation’s secular values,” he said.The controversy drew criticism from BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, who called Kharge’s demand a publicity stunt.“He gives statements like these just for publicity. Indira Gandhi also tried the same and had to lose power,” Fadnavis said to reporters.Siddaramaiah has instructed the chief secretary to review the actions taken by Tamil Nadu, which recently banned RSS activities in government spaces. Siddaramaiah highlighted that Kharge’s request is based on the Tamil Nadu precedent and said the state would consider similar measures.