BJP Demands Unconditional Apology from Mallikarjun Kharge for Incendiary Remarks Against RSS

Hyderabad: The Telangana unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday strongly condemned the derogatory, inflammatory, and deeply irresponsible remarks made by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), demanding an immediate and unconditional apology.

Reacting sharply, BJP State Chief Spokesperson and Media In-Charge N V Subash termed Kharge’s call for a renewed ban on the RSS as “historically ignorant, politically motivated, and dangerously provocative.” He said such statements not only distort well-established facts but also seek to malign an organisation that has contributed selflessly to nation-building for nearly a century.

Kharge, while addressing a public gathering, not only called for banning the RSS but went a step further by using highly objectionable language, reportedly describing the organisation as a “poisonous snake.” More disturbingly, Subash alleged that Kharge made an outrageous appeal suggesting that minority Muslims should, if necessary, even cut short their namaz prayers and attack or kill RSS workers if they encountered them.

“If this does not qualify as hate speech and open incitement to violence, then what does? Such statements from the president of a national party expose the dangerous mindset Congress has nurtured over decades,” Subash said, adding that the Election Commission must take immediate cognisance, especially since the remarks were made in the context of a poll-bound state like Assam.

Taking strong exception to Kharge invoking Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Subash said it was a blatant misrepresentation of history. “Sardar Patel’s legacy cannot be appropriated to justify baseless attacks on the RSS. On the contrary, history shows that the ban imposed on the RSS after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination was later revoked due to lack of evidence—exposing the Congress party’s politically driven narrative even then,” he noted.

Subash further pointed out that even former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had acknowledged the disciplined and nationalist character of RSS volunteers. “Their participation in national events, including Republic Day celebrations, stands as testimony to their commitment to the nation,” he added.

Highlighting the RSS’s contributions during national crises, he recalled its role during the 1962 Sino-Indian War, where volunteers assisted in relief and rehabilitation efforts. “From floods and earthquakes to cyclones and humanitarian emergencies, RSS cadres have consistently stood at the forefront of service, without seeking publicity or political gain,” he said.

Contrasting this with Congress’s approach, Subash accused the party of maintaining a “consistent pattern of ideological hostility” towards the RSS. “For decades, Congress has attempted to demonise the RSS purely out of political insecurity, ignoring its unmatched contribution to social service and national integration,” he said.

He also warned that such reckless statements could have serious consequences on the ground. “This kind of rhetoric can embolden fringe elements and lead to targeted violence against RSS workers, as has been witnessed in states like Kerala and Karnataka. This is unacceptable in any democratic setup,” he asserted.

Refuting allegations linking RSS to violence, Subash emphasized that the organisation remains one of the most disciplined and service-oriented volunteer groups in the world. “RSS has consistently upheld restraint, focusing on nation-building, cultural preservation, and social harmony,” he said.

The BJP reiterated that attempts to malign the RSS will not succeed and cautioned the Congress against indulging in divisive and dangerous rhetoric for political gains. “The people of India are fully aware of the truth. The Congress must immediately apologise for these irresponsible remarks and stop its politics of hate against an organisation that epitomises राष्ट्र सेवा,” Subash concluded.