Kalaburagi
Karnataka RDPR and IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge on Friday launched a sharp attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Bharatiya Janata Party, accusing them of political opportunism and deflecting accountability.
Responding to Sarma’s recent remarks, Kharge pointed out that the Assam Chief Minister was previously associated with the Indian National Congress. “At that time, the Congress ideology and Rahul Gandhi were acceptable to him. Today, he speaks the language of the BJP,” Kharge said. He alleged that Sarma’s shift in allegiance was aimed at avoiding scrutiny from central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate and the Income Tax Department. Questioning attempts to link Congress leadership with Assam’s development, Kharge said the responsibility lies with the government in power. “Is Assam’s development dependent on Mallikarjun Kharge or on the ruling government?” he asked, while accusing the state administration of failing to effectively tackle issues like illegal immigration and alleged diversion of public funds.
Taking exception to criticism from BJP leaders over remarks made by Mallikarjun Kharge on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the minister said the reaction was expected. “It is natural for the BJP leadership to respond, reflecting unquestioning allegiance. The BJP today functions as a shadow of the RSS,” he remarked. Kharge further stated that if the remarks were objectionable, the RSS leadership should seek legal recourse. “Why are BJP leaders and workers speaking on its behalf?” he questioned.
Highlighting ideological differences, Kharge emphasized that Hinduism predates the RSS by several millennia. Referring to Swami Vivekananda and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, he drew a distinction between inclusive philosophical traditions and contemporary ideological frameworks.