Kharge Calls for RSS Ban, BJP Hits Back: Political Tensions Rise Ahead of Elections

A fresh political storm has erupted after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge demanded a complete ban on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), accusing it of spreading hate and dividing the nation. His statement triggered an immediate and fiery response from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), setting the stage for another heated exchange between the two rivals ahead of crucial elections.

Within hours of Kharge’s remarks, BJP leaders hit back, calling his statement an attack on India’s cultural fabric and national values. The political slugfest has now become a flashpoint in the ongoing ideological battle between the two major parties.

Details of Kharge’s Statement

Speaking at a public event, Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that the RSS was responsible for promoting divisive politics and weakening the secular fabric of India. He urged the government to ban the organization for what he described as “consistent efforts to divide people along religious lines.”

Kharge’s statement quickly spread across social media, with Congress supporters defending it as a call for national unity, while opponents criticized it as a politically motivated attack.

BJP’s Sharp Response

The BJP wasted no time in responding. Senior leaders including Amit Malviya and several Union ministers condemned Kharge’s statement, calling it “an insult to India’s patriotic citizens.” They accused the Congress party of repeatedly attacking institutions that form the “soul of Indian identity.”

BJP spokespersons further claimed that the RSS had been instrumental in several national movements and community service activities, arguing that Kharge’s comments showed the Congress party’s “desperation ahead of elections.”

(Read more related coverage: PM Modi slams Congress for divisive politics, Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra impact analysis)

Analysis: Political Symbolism and Strategy

Political observers believe Kharge’s remarks were a calculated move to re-energize the Congress base and draw a sharp ideological line against the BJP-RSS ecosystem. With elections around the corner, such statements help the Congress project itself as the defender of secularism and constitutional values.

However, experts also warn that such direct attacks could polarize voters further, potentially benefitting the ruling party in regions where RSS enjoys a strong presence.

Reactions Across the Spectrum

The controversy sparked a range of reactions across political and social circles.
While Congress allies like the DMK and NCP echoed Kharge’s criticism of RSS influence, several neutral leaders urged both sides to focus on issues of governance and development instead of ideological wars.

Political analysts also pointed out that this episode once again highlights the deep ideological divide shaping India’s political landscape.

The Bigger Picture

Kharge’s comments and the BJP’s counterattack underscore how ideology remains central to India’s electoral politics. The ongoing war of words between the two parties reflects a broader battle — not just for votes, but for control over India’s political narrative.

As the 2025 Bihar and state elections approach, both parties are expected to double down on their respective ideological messages, keeping issues like secularism, nationalism, and cultural identity at the forefront of political debate.

Conclusion

The exchange between Mallikarjun Kharge and BJP leaders has once again highlighted the volatile mix of politics and ideology that defines India’s democracy. Whether Kharge’s call for an RSS ban reshapes voter sentiment or deepens polarization remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — the battle lines are now clearly drawn.