Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge once again on Friday sparked a controversy by responding to the BJP’s retaliation over his earlier comments on the RSS.
Hitting out at the BJP, Kharge said, “Let BJP leaders’ children wear RSS uniforms and drink ‘Gau Mutra’ in public — then I’ll stop talking.”
A row erupted after the Congress leader sought a ban on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) activities in public places recently.
Following that, Kharge had made headlines after writing a letter to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging disciplinary action against government employees with links to the Hindu nationalist organisation.
In a letter dated October 13 and made public on Thursday, Priyank Kharge urged Siddaramaiah to take strict action against government employees participating in activities linked to the RSS.
Citing provisions of the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, Kharge highlighted that government staff are prohibited from being members of, or taking part in, the activities of organisations associated with any political ideology.
“Despite these clear guidelines, it has recently been observed that several government employees are attending RSS events and similar programmes,” the minister noted in his letter.
He requested the Chief Minister to issue a new circular reiterating the rules and warning employees of disciplinary action for violations.
This development follows Kharge’s earlier letter on October 4, in which he sought a ban on RSS activities within government institutions and premises, including state-run schools, parks, and playgrounds.
Addressing reporters later, Kharge said that employees from his department who attended the RSS centenary celebrations in uniform (Ganavesha) and carrying sticks would face suspension.
“As permanent government employees, they can’t do that (attend RSS event),” Kharge said. “I’ve issued show-cause notices, and they’ll be suspended in a day or two.”
BJP had hit back, accusing Kharge of writing the letter banning RSS activities on the government premises to appease the Gandhi family and advance his ambitions to become the chief minister.
BJP has called his claims regarding the RSS as baseless and labelled them as “politically motivated”.