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 Navy vigilant in safeguarding country's maritime interests: Prez Murmu
Visakhapatnam (PTI): President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said that the Indian Navy is vigilant in safeguarding country's maritime interests and is contributing to stability across wider maritime commerce.
Presiding over the International Fleet Review (IFR) off Vizag coast abroad an Indian Naval warship in the Bay of Bengal, the President said the Indian Navy is deployed in the region to serve as a credible instrument of deterrence and defence against threats and challenges arising in the sea.
"Indian Navy is vigilant in safeguarding India's maritime interests and is contributing to stability across wider maritime commerce," Murmu said.
Further, she noted that the Indian Navy plays a vital role in promoting goodwill and building bridges of trust, confidence and friendship with navies around the globe.
Murmu addressed the IFR after she sailed to review several Indian and foreign vessels.
