Jabalpur, 2 Nov

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said the organisation cannot be banned merely because someone wishes so, urging those demanding it to learn from past experiences.

Addressing reporters after a three-day all-India executive meeting in Jabalpur on Saturday, Hosabale was responding to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s remark that the RSS should be banned. “Such attempts were made three times in the past. What did the courts and society say then? Despite all this, the Sangh’s work kept growing. There must be valid reasons to impose a ban,” he said.

Hosabale added that society and the government system had both ruled earlier bans unjustified. “If a leader says an organisation working for India’s unity, security and culture should be banned, he must also state the reason,” he said.

On elections, he clarified that the Bihar and West Bengal polls were not discussed at the meeting. However, the Sangh encouraged people to vote on national and social issues, not caste or money.

Referring to Bengal, he said the state faced instability and violence due to political failures and cross-border pressure, while RSS volunteers were working to promote social harmony.

Priyank hits out at Patra for targeting Kharge

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday hit back at BJP MP Sambit Patra for criticising Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s remarks on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), accusing the BJP leader of defending an organisation that rejected the Constitution and promoted Manusmriti.

“Since when did Sambit Patra become so eloquent to discuss Mr Kharge? Congress believes in upholding constitutional values. How can we support an organisation that wanted Manusmriti instead of the Constitution?” Priyank told reporters. He also questioned the RSS’s funding and unregistered status, asking, “Where do they get their money from, and why are Mohan Bhagwat’s speeches telecast live? Their activities must be banned in government premises.”

His comments came after Patra accused the Congress chief of using language similar to that of extremist outfits. “Kharge’s words echo those of the PFI and Muslim League, who oppose the RSS for uniting the nation,” Patra said.