Bengaluru: Karnataka Congress MLC Ramesh Babu on Tuesday defended minister Priyank Kharge over his recent remarks questioning the ideological and organisational structure of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and launched a sharp attack on state BJP president B. Y. Vijayendra.
In a media statement, Ramesh Babu said Priyank Kharge had raised “ideological and legal questions” regarding the functioning, registration process and activities of the Sangh Parivar, and alleged that the BJP was attempting to divert attention through personal criticism.
He termed Vijayendra’s criticism of Kharge as “politically motivated” and questioned the BJP leader’s moral standing to comment on ideological issues. “Instead of responding to the substantive questions raised, the BJP is resorting to personal attacks,” he said.
Ramesh Babu further argued that any organisation functioning in the country must comply with legal requirements, including registration and financial transparency. He claimed that the RSS had not adequately responded to the concerns raised by Priyank Kharge.
The Congress leader also highlighted the contributions of AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge to the development of Kalyana Karnataka, including infrastructure and welfare initiatives, and said Priyank Kharge had presented development data related to the IT/BT and rural development sectors in the Assembly.
Escalating the political attack, Ramesh Babu referred to past allegations made within the BJP against Vijayendra, including claims related to administrative decisions and internal party disputes. He said the BJP’s internal factionalism had intensified under Vijayendra’s leadership.