Dalit organisations held a protest demanding transparency over the RSS and legal action over alleged remarks against Priyank Kharge

Kalaburagi

Members of the Dalit Organisations Coordination Committee staged a protest in Kalaburagi on Thursday, urging the Karnataka government to clarify the registration status of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and take legal action against those who allegedly made defamatory and threatening remarks against Minister Priyank Kharge.

The protesters gathered in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office, raising slogans against the RSS and BJP leaders. They also staged a brief road blockade, which disrupted traffic for some time and caused inconvenience to commuters passing through the area.

Addressing the gathering, committee member Dinesh Doddamani said Minister Priyank Kharge had raised questions about the registration and functioning of the RSS. He alleged that some BJP leaders responded by making personal and threatening remarks against the minister. He demanded that the government register cases against those responsible and ensure appropriate legal action.

The protesters also questioned why the registration details of the RSS had not been made public. They said that all organisations in the country are expected to function under proper legal registration and that similar information about the RSS should be disclosed to ensure transparency and public accountability.

Dalit leader Mallappa Hosamani called for a detailed inquiry into the RSS’s funding sources and activities. He urged the Karnataka government to clearly explain its stand on the issue and take necessary steps based on the findings of the inquiry.

Several leaders and activists took part in the protest, including Ashok Veeranayak, Devendrappa Sinnur, Rajeev Jane, Siddharth Korwar, Ramu Rathod, Sunil Manapade, Ashwin Sanka, Renuka Singe, Shivanand Honagunta, Ramesh Chimmadayali, Manjunath C.K., Raju Korahalli and others. The protesters said they would continue raising the issue until the government provided clear answers and acted on their demands.