In New Delhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed his view that the RSS should be banned, claiming that many law and order issues in the country stem from the BJP-RSS. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of disrespecting Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s legacy by permitting government employees to engage with the Sangh. Kharge responded to Modi’s criticism of the Congress party on Patel’s birth anniversary, referencing Patel’s condemnation of the RSS following Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination in 1948. When asked about the possibility of banning the RSS again, Kharge stated, “It is my personal opinion, and I will say it openly, it should be done” due to the law and order problems linked to the BJP-RSS.
He urged the prime minister and Home Minister Amit Shah to heed Patel’s warnings. Regarding the government’s decision to lift the ban on government employees’ association with the RSS, Kharge pointed out that Patel himself had prohibited the RSS, emphasizing that Modi’s actions are a disrespect to Patel, who provided clear reasons for the ban. Kharge reiterated Patel’s commitment to unity and peace, asserting that those who seek to disrupt this unity must face consequences.
When questioned about the potential for creating disunity, he remarked, “I clearly feel that something which had ended, this government has revived that and these people will be responsible for whatever happens in the country.” He criticized the current situation, stating that the revival of divisive elements is detrimental to the nation, comparing it to tasting poison with fatal consequences. Kharge concluded that Modi’s actions are harmful to the country.