Kalaburagi
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the BJP and BJP leader B.L. Santosh over the proposed legislation regulating programmes in public places and Santosh’s remarks on the registration of the RSS.
Speaking to reporters in Kalaburagi, Kharge said the proposed legislation was not targeted at any particular organisation and that the Home Department has the responsibility of regulating events conducted in public places. “The bill does not mention the name of any organisation.
If someone wants to conduct a programme in a public place, permission has to be obtained. The Supreme Court has also issued directions regarding the use of public places. Why is the BJP so worried about this?” he questioned.
Suspected Terrorists Were Under Surveillance
Reacting to the arrest of suspected terrorists in Kalaburagi, Davanagere and Bengaluru, Kharge said the police had been closely monitoring the suspects before taking action. “They were under close surveillance. Our police monitored them and arrested them. For security reasons, I cannot reveal certain details. We are also working in accordance with the guidelines and coordination mechanisms of the Centre,” he said.
Kharge Challenges B.L. Santosh
Responding to B.L. Santosh’s statement that the RSS does not require registration, Kharge said Santosh should first understand history before making such claims. “Santosh does not know history. He has claimed that RSS workers protected the Kharge family when they came from Bidar. I ask him to stop making such statements and tell us what role the RSS played in the freedom struggle. Can he name five RSS leaders who participated in the freedom movement?” Kharge asked. Kharge said he was not afraid of the RSS and questioned why he should fear the organisation. “I am not afraid of the RSS. Why should I be afraid of them? Do they have ‘Priyank phobia’?” he said.
‘Army, Patel and Nehru Protected Our Family’
Kharge also rejected claims that RSS workers had protected his family during the integration of Hyderabad State with India. “It was the Indian Army that protected our family. Operation Polo was launched following Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s decision. The role of the Army, Patel and Nehru cannot be erased,” he said. Referring to the legacy of Sardar Patel in Kalaburagi, Kharge questioned the BJP and RSS over their claims regarding Patel’s contribution. “Is there a statue of an RSS leader at SVP Chowk? Why is the presence of Sardar Patel being removed there?” he asked. Kharge also took a personal swipe at Santosh, accusing him of making statements on WhatsApp without properly understanding historical facts.
‘I Will Continue to Ask Questions’
On the RSS’s argument that it cannot be banned because it is not a registered organisation, Kharge said there was no question of banning an organisation merely on the basis of its registration status. “If you say that you are not registered, then there is no question of banning you on that ground. You call yourselves a cultural organisation. But if questions are raised about your activities, you should answer them,” he said. Kharge said he would continue to question organisations and individuals on matters concerning the Constitution, law and public interest. “I am not afraid of anyone. If someone tries to intimidate me, that will not stop me from asking questions,” he said.
