Karnataka BJP President Nalin Kumar Kateel has issued a strong warning to the Congress party in response to a comment made by Chittapur MLA Priyank Kharge. Kharge had stated that the Congress is prepared to ban the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) if it disrupts peace in the state. In retaliation, Kateel warned that if the Congress attempts to ban the RSS or the Bajrang Dal, it will face severe consequences and be reduced to ashes.
Kateel emphasized the deep-rooted connection between the BJP and the RSS, highlighting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself is a swayamsevak (volunteer) of the RSS. He also referenced past attempts by previous governments, including those led by Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Narasimha Rao, to ban the RSS, none of which were successful.
The BJP leader cautioned Priyank Kharge to be mindful of his words and advised him to educate himself about the history of the country before making such statements. Kateel’s warning underscored the strong support and loyalty towards the RSS and Bajrang Dal within the BJP.
The controversy stems from the Congress party’s election manifesto, in which they had promised to ban the Bajrang Dal. However, the Congress later clarified that there was no intention to ban the organization. This sparked criticism from the BJP, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing the Congress of disrespecting Lord Ram and those who chant “Jai Bajrang Bali.”
In the recently concluded Karnataka elections, the Congress emerged victorious, forming the government with a majority. However, the tension between the BJP and Congress regarding the RSS and Bajrang Dal ban remains a point of contention. Nalin Kumar Kateel’s warning adds fuel to the ongoing political feud between the two parties.