Launching a counter-attack on RDPR Minister Priyank Kharge for his tirade at the RSS, the BJP on Monday accused him of making “immature and irresponsible” remarks against the RSS to please his high command.
Questioning his commitment to the development of his home district Kalaburagi, the BJP leaders alleged that the region that was being politically controlled by Mr. Priyank Kharge and his father Mallikarjun Kharge for several decades had remained the most backward in the State.
It may be noted that Mr. Priyank Kharge had accused the RSS of indulging in money laundering and described it as a devil and called the BJP as its shadow.
Taking exception to such allegations, BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra described them as “stupid” that could have been made out of frustration and vendetta.
Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly R. Ashok said that Mr. Priyank Kharge had made it a habit to attack the RSS owing to an illusion that he could get a prominent position in the party or the government by pleasing his party high command.
“The time is not far off when the devils that are deceiving the people of the backward Kalyana Karnataka by denying them development in the last four decades despite enjoying power,” he remarked.
Chief Whip of the Opposition in the Legislative Council N. Ravi Kumar accused Mr. Priyank Kharge of targeting the RSS to consolidate his position in Congress and also keep himself in currency in the ongoing leadership tussle.
“Mr. Priyank Kharge is desperate to save his ministerial position and keep himself afloat in the ongoing leadership tussle in his party and hence he is targeting the RSS,” he said.
He extended an invitation to Mr. Priyank Kharge and his father to involve themselves in the RSS activities at Nagpur for six months to know about the Sangh and its contribution to strengthening nationalism and patriotism in the country.
Published – February 17, 2026 12:51 am IST


