Priyank Kharge Slams BJP, RSS & ABVP: ‘We Don’t Need Certificates of Desh Bhakti’

By Bangalore Mail Political Bureau

Bengaluru

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge launched a sharp offensive against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), stating that the Congress party does not require validation of its patriotism from organizations that played no role in India’s freedom struggle.

Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Kharge dismissed the ongoing political row and the filing of cases against senior leaders, asserting that national symbols are being used as political instruments.

“Whether it is the BJP Yuva Morcha, ABVP, or the RSS, we do not need certificates of being national or anti-national from them. These are the same people who contributed nothing to the freedom struggle, and whose political mentors did not hoist the national flag for 52 years,” Kharge remarked.

Response to FIR Against Congress Leadership

The Minister’s statement comes in the wake of an FIR registered against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi over alleged disruptions during the rendition of “Vande Mataram” on Independence Day.

Rejecting the allegations, Kharge accused the opposition of political opportunism and selective outrage.

“The BJP is only interested in weaponising national symbols—whether it is the national song or the national anthem. They can file as many cases as they want. We do not need any certificate of ‘Desh Bhakti’ from them,” he added.

Critique of Competitive Exams and UGC-NET Handling

Shifting focus to educational administration and student concerns, Kharge criticized the Union Government over the rescheduling of the UGC-NET examination and targeted Union Minister Pralhad Joshi.

Referring to the leadership transition at the Ministry of Education, Kharge described the change as “old wine in a new bottle,” alleging incompetence in managing crucial student issues and competitive examinations. He further alleged that ideological influences have compromised the integrity of national examination bodies and educational institutions.

“From paper leaks to governance in institutions, people associated with the Sangh Parivar have been placed at key positions. They are sowing seeds of division. However, I am confident that the youth and Gen Z will see through these designs,” he stated.

Backing Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s Remarks

Kharge also backed statements made by fellow Karnataka leader Yathindra Siddaramaiah, who had previously criticized the ideology of the RSS. Extending the critique, Kharge alleged that the influence of the organization extends deep into public institutions.

“Zero contribution with respect to nation-building, but 100% contribution to creating chaos within the country,” Kharge claimed, urging a closer look at historical records.

The political exchange highlights escalating friction between the ruling Congress in Karnataka and the opposition BJP-RSS combine over issues of nationalism, governance, and institutional integrity.