Dalit Groups Stage Protest Over BJP Leaders’ Remarks Against Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge

Members of the Dalit Sanghatanegala Samanvaya Samiti and other Dalit organisations held a protest on Thursday outside the Deputy Commissioner's office in Kalaburagi. They condemned remarks made by several Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders against Home Minister Priyank Kharge, following his recent questions about the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

The protesters said that instead of addressing the issues raised by Mr. Kharge, BJP leaders have resorted to personal attacks and issued what they termed threatening remarks. They specifically cited statements by BJP MP Ramesh Jigajinagi and former Ministers K.S. Eshwarappa and C.T. Ravi as derogatory and threatening.

The agitators urged the State government to take serious note of such remarks and to safeguard democratic values and freedom of expression. They argued that Mr. Kharge’s letter to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, seeking clarification on the organisation’s registration and objectives, was in the interest of transparency and public accountability, not directed at any individual.

The protesters also called on the State government and the Congress party to extend support to Mr. Kharge. They reiterated demands for greater scrutiny of the RSS, citing a lack of transparency in its structure and functioning, and sought its registration under an appropriate regulatory framework.

Raising slogans such as “Ban RSS”, “RSS should be registered”, “Withdraw Z Plus security for RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat”, and “We stand with Priyank Kharge”, the protesters formed a human chain and submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, addressed to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. The memorandum urged the State government to examine the legal status of the RSS and take steps to uphold constitutional values and social harmony.

The protest was led by activists Devendra Sinnur, Mallappa Hosamani, Renuka Singhe, Dinesh Doddamani, and members of various organisations.