Bengaluru, August 17: Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president B.K. Hariprasad has triggered a political controversy after comparing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) with Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed and the Taliban.
Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru on Monday, Hariprasad claimed there was “no difference” between the three organisations, arguing that none of them is registered in India. His remarks came during a wider political debate over patriotism, nationalism and the RSS's legal status.
“There is no difference between Jaish-e-Mohammed, Taliban, and RSS because all three are not registered in India,” Hariprasad said.
He also targeted the RSS over its position on the national anthem, national song and the Tricolour. Referring to the ongoing controversy surrounding ‘Vande Mataram’, he alleged that the RSS does not sing Vande Mataram or the national anthem and does not hoist the national flag.
The comments came after BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santhosh defended the RSS's status, saying the organisation does not require statutory registration. Santhosh had argued that the RSS has functioned since 1925 and that public trust, rather than formal registration, defines the organisation.
The issue has also drawn comments from Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge. Kharge recently questioned how the RSS operates its properties, bank accounts and donations if it does not have statutory registration. He demanded greater transparency regarding the organisation's financial and legal affairs.
Hariprasad's remarks are likely to intensify the political confrontation between the Congress and BJP in Karnataka. The two parties have repeatedly clashed over the RSS, nationalism and the role of right-wing organisations in Indian public life. The controversy also comes against the backdrop of a dispute involving Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi over an alleged disruption during the rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ on Independence Day.
Hariprasad's comparison has already drawn strong reactions, with BJP leaders expected to attack the Congress over the statement. The RSS and BJP are likely to argue that comparing the organisation with internationally recognised terrorist groups is unacceptable and politically motivated.
The remarks have therefore opened another front in Karnataka's increasingly heated political debate, with the Congress questioning the RSS's legal status and the BJP defending its historical and organisational role.
