‘Threats, abuse won’t silence me’: Priyank Kharge amid row over RSS activities in govt spaces

The minister added that while the government would not allow RSS programmes on public property, the organisation was free to hold activities in private spaces.

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, on Tuesday, alleged that he and his family have been receiving threats and abuses after he questioned the use of government institutions for Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities, stating that intimidation would not deter him from speaking out.

“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 wrote on X.

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.

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But I’m…

— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) October 14, 2025

Notably, the minister’s comments came amid a growing political row over his letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging a ban on RSS activities in government schools, colleges, and state-owned temples, citing similar action taken in Tamil Nadu.

Responsing to questions on whether he sought to ban the RSS, Kharge clarified that he never called for a blanket ban on the organisation. “Where have I told to ban RSS? They are using government colleges, schools, universities, grounds, and archaeological sites for what? They are poisoning the minds of young children... They are indoctrinating religion into them,” he told ANI.

He further said that schools should focus on education, not religious indoctrination. “What I should pray to, what I should eat, what I should wear — my parents will teach me at home. In schools, they’re supposed to learn so they can get out of poverty,” Kharge said.

Taking a dig at the BJP, Kharge asked why the children of its leaders do not attend RSS shakhas or take up roles as “Gaurakshaks” and “Dharamrakshaks.” “Why are BJP’s children not in RSS shakhas? Why are they not drinking Gau Mutra?” he asked.

The minister added that while the government would not allow RSS programmes on public property, the organisation was free to hold activities in private spaces. “Let them do it in their houses, private farmlands, hire a hotel — but this public display of sowing communal seeds and threatening people is not good... Trying to portray that they are bigger than the Constitution or the law of the land — I’m sorry, they are not,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed the Chief Secretary to study the action taken by Tamil Nadu on restricting RSS activities in government spaces. “Minister Priyank Kharge has written a letter stating that since it has been banned in Tamil Nadu, it should be banned here as well. I have instructed the Chief Secretary to review Tamil Nadu’s action,” Siddaramaiah told reporters.

Kharge had earlier accused the RSS of spreading a “philosophy against the Constitution” and “brainwashing young minds,” remarking, “‘Hindu khatre mein hai, bacha zyada paida karo,’ yet its members remain bachelors. Why can’t they marry and practise what they preach?”