NEW DELHI, Jul 28: A fresh political confrontation erupted on Tuesday after the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) strongly criticised Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge over his remarks targeting the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The VHP accused the Congress of repeatedly distorting historical facts and launching attacks on nationalist organisations for electoral and political gains.
The controversy began after Kharge, while addressing an event in New Delhi, questioned the functioning of the RSS and said the organisation should formally register itself and disclose details of its activities if it expects police protection for its route marches and public events.
The Karnataka minister also claimed that the RSS would not respond to any formal communication from him, describing its leadership as “cowards.” He further alleged that the organisation had failed to contribute meaningfully to the country’s progress during the last century.
According to Kharge, the RSS presents itself as India’s foremost patriotic organisation while deciding who deserves to be called patriotic and who should be branded anti-national. Rejecting that claim, he alleged that the organisation was, in fact, among the least patriotic bodies in the country’s history.
The remarks triggered an immediate response from the VHP, with its national spokesperson Vinod Bansal launching a sharp counterattack against the Congress leader.
Bansal alleged that the Congress has followed a long-standing political strategy of making allegations against nationalist organisations while attempting to rewrite historical narratives for political advantage.
He stated that the people of India now recognise what he described as repeated attempts to spread misinformation about organisations such as the RSS. According to him, decades of criticism directed at the RSS have failed to weaken its public standing, while the Congress itself has suffered political setbacks over the years.
The VHP spokesperson also questioned the Congress’ moral authority to speak about patriotism, alleging that the party had often prioritised vote-bank politics over national interests.
Bansal argued that patriotism cannot be determined through political speeches or public accusations but through sustained service to society and the nation. He maintained that repeating allegations or presenting selective versions of history does not alter historical facts.
Describing Kharge’s statements as politically motivated, Bansal claimed they reflected prejudice rather than evidence. He asserted that false narratives and selective quotations have long been part of the Congress’ political approach.
The VHP leader further referred to the Emergency imposed during the Congress regime, accusing the party of undermining democratic institutions and constitutional values during that period. He also criticised what he described as the Congress’ history of appeasement politics while questioning its continued criticism of the RSS.
Calling on Kharge to examine historical events objectively, Bansal advised the Karnataka minister to engage in introspection rather than, in his words, presenting a selective interpretation of India’s political history.
The exchange has added to the ongoing ideological contest between the Congress and organisations associated with the Sangh Parivar, with both sides reiterating long-held positions on nationalism, constitutional values and political accountability.
Political observers note that debates surrounding the role of the RSS frequently become a flashpoint between the Congress and BJP-aligned organisations, particularly ahead of significant political developments. The latest war of words is expected to further intensify the broader political discourse over nationalism, governance and historical interpretation in the coming weeks.