His stylised capitalisation of "viRuSS" appears to be a pointed reference to RSS - which he targetted in his letter to CM Siddaramaiah.
Published Oct 14, 2025 | 1:09 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 14, 2025 | 1:09 PM
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge. Credit: x.com/priyankkharge
Synopsis: Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge faces death threats and abusive calls after demanding a ban on RSS activities in government schools and public institutions. Unfazed, he vows to continue, citing Gandhi and Ambedkar’s persecution by RSS. Kharge calls for a society based on equality and reason, while BJP dismisses his demand as a “fantasy,” escalating political tensions.
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, son of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, shared on X that he and his family have been subjected to relentless death threats and abusive calls for the past two days, following his public call to ban RSS activities in government schools, colleges, and public institutions.
In a defiant post, Kharge said, “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.” He added, “But I’m neither shaken nor surprised. When the RSS didn’t spare Mahatma Gandhi or Babasaheb Ambedkar, why would they spare me?”
Kharge, who serves as Minister for Electronics, IT/BT, and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, stressed that the intimidation would not deter him.
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.
But I’m…
— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) October 14, 2025
“If they think threats and personal jibes will silence me, they are mistaken. This has just begun,” he wrote.
He concluded with a call for societal transformation: “It is time to build a society founded on the principles of Buddha, Basavanna and Babasaheb, society rooted in equality, reason and compassion and purge this nation of the most dangerous viRuSS.”
The stylised capitalisation of “viRuSS” appears to be a pointed reference to the RSS.
Kharge’s bold stance stems from a letter he penned to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on 4 October, which was made public on 12 October.
In the letter, Kharge urged a comprehensive ban on RSS “shakhas”, “sanghiks” (gatherings), and “baithaks” (meetings) across government premises, including schools, aided institutions, public parks, playgrounds, Muzrai Department temples, and archaeological sites.
He accused the RSS of “brainwashing young minds” by instilling “negative thoughts” and shouting divisive slogans in the presence of children and youth, claiming the organisation’s ideology is “contrary to India’s ideals of unity and secular framework.”
Kharge added that such activities undermine the Constitution’s principles of equality and secularism, warning that they sow hatred among vulnerable groups.
“The brainwashing happening in schools and public spaces must stop,” he said, citing recent violence in Mangaluru and Malnad regions allegedly linked to RSS-inspired clashes.
He also mocked the RSS’ rhetoric on population growth, noting, “‘Hindu khatre me hai, bacha zyaada paida karo,’ yet its members remain bachelors. Let them practice in their homes and then come and preach to others.”
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s office endorsed the letter, recommending “immediate action” to relevant authorities, signaling potential enforcement measures.
(Curated by Amit Vasudev)
