Minister Priyank Kharge alleges abuse, threats over demand to ban RSS events in public places
Bengaluru: Karnataka Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Priyank Kharge has accused supporters of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of sending him abusive and threatening messages following his call for a ban on RSS programmes in public spaces and government premises.
Kharge had recently written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging the state to prohibit RSS activities in public places, alleging that the organisation spreads “divisive ideology” among youth. In a post on his personal ‘X’ account on Tuesday, he said he had been receiving threat calls and messages ever since the letter became public.
On Wednesday morning, Kharge released a video message questioning whether trainees at the RSS’s shakhas (branches) were being taught to verbally abuse others’ mothers and sisters. “Are BJP leaders like B.Y. Vijayendra, R. Ashoka, C.T. Ravi, V. Sunil Kumar, Pratap Simha and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy ready to endorse similar abuse directed at the mothers of Prime Minister Modi or Mohan Bhagwat?” he asked.
Kharge said the abusive messages were being sent mostly by young men from economically weaker backgrounds, claiming they were being “used” by the RSS. “While the children of BJP leaders are building their future, those from poor families are being pushed into such abusive acts. If I file a case, the young man who sent the message will suffer, while those who instigated him will remain unaffected,” he said in the video.
The minister clarified that his opposition was not against any individual but against what he termed a “malignant mindset” that must be countered through the teachings of Buddha, Basavanna and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. “My fight is not against a person but against a toxic mentality. The youth who have fallen prey to this mindset must be rescued,” he said.
Rejecting attempts to intimidate him, Kharge said he would not be deterred by abuse or threats. “My political struggle is not about power but about philosophy. I will continue to speak out against the RSS mindset and protect the youth from falling into its trap,” he added.
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Elderly Dalit woman cremated on road after family denied access to village cremation ground in Bihar
Vaishali: An elderly Dalit woman was cremated on a public road in Bihar’s Vaishali district after her family was allegedly prevented from using the village cremation ground, triggering outrage and tension in the area, The Observer Post reported.
The incident occurred on Thursday at Sontho Andhari village under the Goraul police station limits. The deceased, identified as Jhapki Devi (95), belonged to a Mahadalit family. According to locals and police, when her family tried to take her body to the cremation ground, some people blocked the route, leaving the family with no option but to perform the last rites on the road.
Family members and residents said the obstruction has been a long-standing issue. “Every time we take a body for cremation, the way is blocked. This has happened earlier too, but no permanent solution was given,” said a local resident from Manjhi Tola, expressing anger over repeated denial of access.
As tensions rose, the funeral procession stopped at Andhari Gachi Chowk, where the body was placed on a pyre in front of a Shiva temple and cremated on the road. Villagers alleged that the pathway connecting the main road to the cremation ground had been encroached upon by local landowners.
Police and administrative officials later reached the spot. A fire brigade vehicle was deployed to extinguish the pyre, and the road was cleaned after the cremation. Public representatives who arrived at the scene were reportedly chased away by protesting villagers, who accused the administration of ignoring their complaints for years.
Vaishali Superintendent of Police Vikram Sihag said the issue arose due to the absence of a clear path. “Earlier, there was a route to the cremation ground, but some people built a temple on that path. Due to the lack of access, the family carried out the cremation on the road,” he said. He added that discussions were held with local officials and that arrangements would be made to restore access to the cremation ground. “The situation is currently under control,” the SP said.
Block Development Officer Pankaj Kumar Nigam and Circle Officer Divya Chanchal said the area had been cleared and an inquiry was under way. “All aspects will be examined, and steps will be taken to ensure that such incidents do not happen again,” they said.
