Priyank Kharge, Supriya Shrinate allege RSS demolished temple to make parking space for its building
New Delhi: An anti-encroachment drive near the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Jhandewalan led to tense scenes on Saturday after a viral video alleged that an ancient temple had been demolished to create parking space for the organisation.
The video triggered widespread anger online and on the ground, even as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) maintained that the action was routine and followed due procedure.
The MCD carried out the demolition after issuing vacate notices around 45 days ago, officials said. According to civic authorities, the structures cleared during the operation were encroachments and the occupants “did not comply with the instructions issued earlier.” Police personnel were deployed at the site throughout the drive, and officials stated that most residents had vacated beforehand.
The situation changed dramatically once a video began circulating on social media, claiming that a nearly 1,500-year-old temple located near the RSS building had been razed. The clip alleged that the demolition was intended to clear land for RSS parking and further referred to a “15,000-year-old Gorakhnath temple” said to have continuous Ram Katha recitations. The video showed distressed residents questioning the authorities and expressing concern over the fate of religious structures believed to hold local significance.
Several locals claimed they were not given clear notice and accused officials of sudden displacement. Visuals showed women pleading with personnel in an attempt to halt the machinery. Residents said the demolition had affected long-standing homes and sacred sites, and demanded clarity on relocation and the purpose behind the timing of the drive.
However, civic officials offered a different account. An MCD source told PTI that the structures stood on a “dangerous stretch” and that nearly all occupants had already moved out, with only a few remaining at the site. The source added that the drive was conducted jointly with the Delhi Development Authority and that all procedural notices had been issued as required.
Despite the controversy, the MCD has not publicly commented on the viral allegation surrounding the temple, leaving several questions unanswered and public distrust unresolved.
The incident also drew political reactions. Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge shared the viral clip on X, criticising the RSS and alleging that a temple was demolished for parking. Congress leader Supriya Shrinate also commented on the issue, urging people to take note of the claims made in the viral video.
The “world’s largest NGO” is literally bulldozing temples to make a parking lot for viRSS spectacles.
— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) November 30, 2025
And the so called Hindu Hriday Samrats and Bulldozer Babas? Silent. Spineless. They roar on stages and rallies, but crawl at the feet of RSS. pic.twitter.com/nSAui7LvhE
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Surjewala slams Pratap Simha’s ‘vile’ remarks on CM Siddaramaiah, demands apology from BJP
Bengaluru (PTI): Congress general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the BJP over alleged disparaging remarks made by former Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during an assembly bypoll campaign in Bagalkote.
Simha made the remarks while campaigning for BJP candidate Veerabhadrayya Charantimath, triggering a political row ahead of the by-elections scheduled for April 9.
Congress has fielded Umesh Meti, son of former MLA late M Y Meti, whose death necessitated the bye-election.
"Pratap Simha's vile remarks about Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Bagalkot have exposed the BJP's despicable politics once again," Surjewala said in a social media post.
Alleging a larger political design, he added, "It is increasingly evident that Pratap Simha’s outburst is driven by desperation," and accused the BJP of using such remarks to target backward classes, Scheduled Castes, and minorities.
The Rajya Sabha member further claimed that the incident reflects a pattern within the party. "This is not one man's madness—it is the BJP’s political culture," he said, adding that the remarks were aimed at "denigrating leaders from marginalised communities".
Referring to past incidents, Surjewala said, "CM Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar have received death threats in the past, including one from BJP leaders who warned that their bodies would be stuffed into a refrigerator."
The Congress leader also criticised the BJP’s bypoll campaign strategy, alleging "internal contradictions".
He pointed to the party’s use of expelled MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal in campaigning despite earlier disciplinary action against him, accusing the BJP of resorting to "abuses and indignities" against opposition leaders.
Surjewala demanded immediate action from the BJP leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP national president Nitin Nabin, state president B Y Vijayendra, and Leader of Opposition R Ashoka.
He said they must tender a public apology to Kannadigas, particularly to OBCs, SCs, and minorities, over the remarks, and urged the party to expel Simha if it does not repudiate his statements.
Surjewala also called for legal action, demanding that an FIR be registered against Simha and that strict measures be taken.
Warning of "political consequences", he said the electorate in the bypoll-bound constituencies would respond decisively if the BJP failed to apologise, asserting that voters would "teach the BJP a befitting lesson" in the elections.
There has been no immediate reaction from the saffron party yet.
