Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Monday hit out at the BJP, RSS and ABVP, saying the Congress does not need certificates of patriotism or nationalism from these organisations. His remarks came amid a fresh political debate over patriotism, the national flag and the freedom movement.
Addressing a press conference, Kharge said neither the Congress nor its leaders needed to prove their nationalist credentials to the BJP or organisations associated with it. He specifically mentioned the BJP Yuva Morcha, ABVP and RSS while questioning their right to decide who is “national” or “anti-national”.
“We don't need certificates of being national or anti-national from them,” Kharge said, according to ANI. He further alleged that these organisations and their political mentors had not contributed to India's freedom struggle.
Kharge also referred to the RSS's historical position on the national flag and alleged that its political mentors did not hoist the Tricolour for decades. His comments come days after he had criticised the BJP's ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign and questioned why such a campaign could not begin from the RSS headquarters in Nagpur.
The Congress leader's latest remarks have added another layer to the ongoing political confrontation between the Congress and the BJP in Karnataka. Issues surrounding nationalism, the national flag and the role of the RSS have repeatedly become points of political debate between the two parties.
Kharge has been particularly vocal in challenging the BJP and RSS over their claims concerning patriotism and their role in India's history. His comments have also come amid a wider political dispute following an FIR against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi over allegations linked to the rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’.
The BJP and Congress have frequently traded accusations over who represents the country's nationalist values. While the BJP and its ideological affiliates have often accused Congress leaders of undermining national interests, Congress leaders have questioned the BJP's interpretation of patriotism and nationalism.
Kharge's latest statement is therefore likely to further sharpen the political debate, particularly as parties prepare for upcoming electoral battles. His remarks underline the Congress's position that patriotism should not be judged through certificates issued by political organisations, but through a person's actions and commitment to the country.
