A file photo of volunteers with flags and batons at the RSS centenary march in Chittapur, Kalaburagi district on November 16, 2025. | Photo credit: ARUN KULKARNI
Responding to a Rashtriya Swayamsevek Sangh (RSS) official who “thanked” him for objecting to their march, targeting him and increasing participation, IT-BT minister Priyank Kharge said the organization should instead thank him for teaching “the law of the land and how to follow the rules”.
Mr. Kharge was reacting to a statement by RSS’s Kshetriya Karyavah N. Thippeswamy, who said earlier in the week that the publicity generated by the Congress had turned what would have been a regular march in Chittapur (Mr. Kharge’s constituency) into a major mobilization.
Bigger numbers
Without directly referring to Mr. Kharge, Mr. Thippeswamy said, “Now they know what happens when they come in our way. We would have gathered about 400 to 500 people in Chittapur. Because of the publicity they have given, around 8,000 have gathered without any effort. We should thank them.”
An RSS route march in Chittapur in November 2025 led to political and legal tussles, with the administration initially denying permission citing law and order. It was finally held, with riders on timing and attendance, after a petition in the Karnataka High Court.
Priyank Kharge
Responding to Mr Thippeswamy’s remarks, Mr Kharge took to X and said on Saturday: “Take all available videos, photographs, drone footage and panoramic footage and try to show a gathering of 8,000 people. RSS tends to exaggerate its image and reputation.”
He said the organization was forced to follow rules such as applying for permission, limiting numbers, sticking to a designated route, etc. as per the court orders.
Number of shakhas
Reacting to the statement that between 2025 and 2026, Karnataka recorded 4,127 daily shakhas, Mr. Kharge said, “Good to know… Get the relevant documents ready. You will have to register them soon…. Instead of shooting from the shadows, why not engage in a transparent, open debate about RSS contributions and work by RSS? After all, there is a century of selfless service building.
The RSS has announced that it will renovate the Karnataka unit by 2027, a year before the assembly elections in the state.
Published – 21 March 2026 21:35 IST
