Priyank Kharge alleges threats after urging ban on RSS activities in govt premises
Bengaluru: Karnataka Minister for Information Technology and Biotechnology Priyank Kharge has alleged receiving multiple threatening phone calls and abusive messages following his recent demand to restrain the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in government-run institutions.
In a post on X, Kharge stated that he and his family have been subjected to harassment over the past two days. He said he was “neither shaken nor surprised” by the intimidation tactics, adding, “When the RSS didn’t spare Mahatma Gandhi or Babasaheb Ambedkar, why would they spare me?” He asserted that such threats and “personal jibes” would not silence him.
The controversy began after Kharge wrote to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urging a ban on RSS shakhas (branches) and related activities within government schools, colleges, and public premises. In his letter, Kharge accused the RSS of spreading “negative thoughts” among students and promoting an ideology that contradicts the secular and democratic principles of the Constitution.
His remarks have triggered sharp criticism from the opposition BJP, which accused him of engaging in a “publicity stunt” and showing “foolishness.” Responding to the backlash, Kharge reiterated his stance, declaring, “This has just begun.” He called for building a society based on the ideals of Buddha, Basavanna, and Babasaheb Ambedkar — one grounded in “equality, reason, and compassion” — to, as he put it, “purge this nation of the most dangerous viRuSS.”
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has acknowledged receipt of Kharge’s letter and has reportedly directed the Chief Secretary to examine the issue and take suitable action. The state government is said to be studying the legal feasibility of such a move, drawing reference from a similar framework implemented in Tamil Nadu.
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.
— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) October 14, 2025
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Indian Coast Guard to observe 50th Raising Day on Feb 1
New Delhi (PTI): The Indian Coast Guard (ICG),established in 1977 with just seven surface platforms, has evolved into a "formidable maritime force" comprising 155 ships and 80 aircrafts, officials said on Saturday.
The ICG will observe its 50th Raising Day with an event here on Sunday, marking five decades of dedicated, selfless service to the nation, they said.
Raised on February 1, 1977, the ICG was envisioned to address emerging maritime challenges and safeguard India's expanding marine interests.
"From its humble beginnings in 1977 with just seven surface platforms, the ICG has evolved into a formidable maritime force comprising 155 ships and 80 aircrafts today," the ICG said.
By 2030, the ICG is "poised to achieve its target force levels of 200 surface platforms and 100 aircrafts, firmly establishing itself among the world's premier coast guard services," it said.
Since its inception, the organisation has "rescued over 11,800 lives", forging a legacy defined by compassion and courage, earning recognition as the enduring 'Saviours at Sea', a senior ICG official said.
Headquartered in Delhi, the force maintains vigil over 20.1 lakh sq km of India's Exclusive Economic Zone and 11,098.01 km of coastline, the ICG said in a statement.
From modest origins, it has grown into a powerful, versatile, and highly respected force entrusted with maritime law enforcement, coastal security, search and rescue, marine environmental protection, and humanitarian aid, officials said.
From close coordination with the Indian Navy during Operation Sindoor to daring rescue operations in Lakshadweep and the firm handling of three major maritime incidents off the Kerala coast in recent months, the ICG has demonstrated preparedness across the full spectrum of maritime contingencies, they said.
With extensive deployment of ships and aircrafts, coupled with high-tech electronic surveillance, the Coast Guard's persistent presence at sea reassures the maritime community and deters transgressions, they added.
Aligned with the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India', the ICG is steadily moving towards self-reliance through induction of indigenously-built ships, aircrafts, helicopters, and advanced surveillance systems, while simultaneously prioritising infrastructure development and personnel welfare, the statement said.
The ICG said it also "remains firmly committed to gender neutrality and inclusivity, ensuring equal opportunities for women across seagoing, aviation, and shore-based roles, and fostering a professional environment defined by respect, merit, and mutual trust".
Guided by the prime minister's vision of 'Amrit Kaal' and anchored in the doctrines of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), the ICG forms a key pillar of India's maritime resurgence, promoting security, growth, cooperation, and collective prosperity across the oceans, it said.
In this evolving era, India's seas are not merely frontiers to be guarded, but "pathways of partnership, progress, and shared destiny", the ICG added.
On the global stage, the ICG strengthens maritime partnerships through humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions and capacity-building initiatives, the force said, adding that the unanimous decision to hand over presidency of 50th Coast Guard Global Summit to ICG in 2025 stands as a recognition of India's growing maritime leadership.
Ahead of the 50th Raising Day, the President of India, the vice-president, prime minister, and the defence minister, have extended regards to all ranks of the ICG, commending its remarkable achievements and acknowledging its vital role in safeguarding India's maritime interests, it said.
