Mangaluru: Remarks made by Minister Priyank Kharge against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Bharatiya Janata Party with reference to Dakshina Kannada are condemnable, said district BJP president Satish Kumpala at a press conference on Tuesday.
Addressing reporters, Kumpala said the minister had described the RSS as a “devil” and the BJP as its “shadow,” and termed the statements irresponsible and politically motivated. He said such remarks insult lakhs of volunteers and supporters associated with the organisations across the country.
BJP questions Kharge’s comparison and political stand
Kumpala criticised Kharge by referring to his political background and family legacy. He noted that while Kharge’s father had served as AICC president, the minister himself works under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. He questioned whether the minister would dare to describe them as someone’s “shadow” using similar language.
He further asserted that the RSS does not require formal registration in the way political entities do, stating that it functions through a nationwide network of patriotic volunteers. According to him, Congress leaders have no moral authority to criticise either the RSS or the BJP, given their own political record.
Calling the comments divisive, he said public representatives should avoid language that deepens ideological hostility and instead focus on governance and development issues.
Challenge on development and IT-BT contribution
Referring to Kharge’s claim that Dakshina Kannada was not progressing due to communal tensions, Kumpala said the minister has held the IT-BT portfolio for the past two-and-a-half years and should present measurable data on his contribution to the district’s growth.
He questioned how many IT and BT companies had been brought to the district, how many jobs were created, and how much investment had been attracted during this period. He argued that development cannot be judged through political speeches alone and must be backed by figures and completed projects.
Kumpala also alleged that several incidents of unrest in the district had taken place during Congress rule in the past. He maintained that development in the region has been the result of contributions from representatives of multiple parties over the years, not any single political group.
Comparison with Kalaburagi and education sector
Continuing his criticism, Kumpala pointed out that the district has eight medical colleges and is recognised as a major education hub attracting students from across India. He contrasted this with Kharge’s home district of Kalaburagi, asking how many similar institutions were established there.
He said leaders who failed to significantly develop their own districts should refrain from making derogatory remarks about other regions. He added that educational and healthcare infrastructure growth reflects long-term planning and public support.
Several party functionaries were present at the press meet, including local MLAs and office-bearers, who echoed similar views and criticised the minister’s statements.
MLA Bharath Shetty demands apology
Separately, Mangaluru North MLA Bharath Shetty also condemned Kharge’s remarks and demanded an immediate public apology. He alleged that the minister was making derogatory statements to gain favour with Rahul Gandhi and party leadership.
Shetty challenged the minister to clearly define what he meant by the term “communal” and said branding organisations and regions with such labels without evidence was inappropriate. He further claimed that the minister had made no visible contribution to the development of Dakshina Kannada during his tenure.
He alleged that even proper tender documentation for the proposed local IT park had not been prepared and claimed there was a major mafia operating within the minister’s department. He said details would be revealed at a later stage.
On the issue of RSS funding, Shetty stated that there was no secrecy and that if the minister had objections, he should pursue the matter legally through the courts.
Political sparring intensifies
With both sides hardening their positions, the controversy has added to the ongoing political sparring between the BJP and Congress in the state. BJP leaders said ideological criticism should not cross into personal or derogatory territory, while insisting that development debates must be evidence-based.
Further responses from the minister or the Congress party are awaited. The issue is likely to remain part of the political discourse in the coming days.