Bengaluru: Congress workers led by KPCC president B.K. Hariprasad staged a protest outside the KPCC office, condemning the FIR registered against Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
Meanwhile, Hariprasad questioned the RSS and BJP’s political approach in India while referring to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent remarks in New York, where he said that a person who wants an India without Muslims cannot be a true Hindu.
In a statement, Hariprasad asked why there appeared to be a contrast between the message of religious harmony being delivered by Bhagwat on international platforms and the political atmosphere surrounding minorities in India.
He pointed out that the Indian Constitution guarantees equality, freedom of religion and equal protection of the law to all citizens. Any political or social approach that treats Muslims, Christians or members of any other religious community as second-class citizens would therefore be contrary to the spirit of the Constitution, he said.
“When an atmosphere of political polarisation around minorities continues in the country, how should the message of Hindu-Muslim unity being given abroad be viewed?” Hariprasad asked.
He said the issue was not merely about rhetoric but also about the consistency and sincerity of the RSS’s ideological position.
Hariprasad questioned why, if the RSS does not oppose Muslims and Christians, minorities are allegedly repeatedly made the focus of political narratives associated with the RSS-BJP.
He also alleged that bringing religious identity to the centre of political discourse diverts attention from fundamental issues such as education, employment, economic opportunities, political power and representation of Dalits, Adivasis and backward classes.
“India questions this dichotomy of solidarity on foreign platforms and hostility within the country. If Bhagwat’s words are sincere, the same message should be reflected in India’s political and social life,” Hariprasad said.
He urged the RSS leadership to ensure that the message of religious harmony voiced abroad is also reflected in the country’s political and social discourse.
“The language of solidarity heard on foreign platforms should also be heard on the streets of India,” he said.
