Bengaluru, October 15:
Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) Minister Priyank Kharge has sharpened his ideological stance within the Congress by openly confronting the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Aligning closely with the position taken by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Priyank has demanded a ban on RSS activities in government premises, a move that signals both political boldness and ideological clarity.
The minister’s statement comes amid the power tussle within the state Congress, where several senior leaders are vying for influence and positioning themselves for the future leadership contest.
Taking an Ideological Stand
By calling for direct action against the RSS, Priyank Kharge — son of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge — has effectively placed the onus on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s government to respond to the demand. The move distinguishes him from other CM aspirants who have been cautious or inconsistent in their remarks about the Sangh.
A senior Congress leader in Delhi told The Times of India (or as per party sources):
“Priyank seems to be positioning himself as someone who is in sync with the party’s ideology. If the churn happens, he wants to be counted as a neutral, yet ideologically committed contender.”
Political Context
This confrontation marks Priyank’s effort to carve out a distinct ideological identity within the Congress, at a time when the party is attempting to reinforce its ideological narrative ahead of the 2026 elections. His comments are also seen as part of a larger alignment with Rahul Gandhi’s consistent opposition to the RSS’s influence in governance.
Priyank recently claimed that he had been receiving threat calls and abuses for questioning the RSS, underscoring the heated political climate surrounding his remarks.