Kharge hits out at RSS after being ‘thanked’ for route march row

Retorting to a Rashtriya Swayamsevek Sangh (RSS) office-bearer who “thanked” him for objecting to their route march, thereby putting the focus on it and boosting participation, IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge has said the organisation should thank him instead for teaching “the law of the land and how to follow the rules”.

Mr. Kharge was responding to a statement made by Kshetriya Karyavah of RSS N. Thippeswamy, who earlier in the week said that the publicity generated by the Congress turned what would have been a regular march in Chittapur (Mr. Kharge’s constituency) into big mobilisation.

Bigger numbers

Without referring directly to Mr. Kharge, Mr. Thippeswamy said, “They now know what happens if they come in our way. In Chittapur, we would have got about 400 to 500 people to assemble. Because of the publicity they gave, around 8,000 assembled without any effort. We should thank them.”

The RSS route march in Chittapur in November 2025 had led to a political and legal tussle, with the administration initially denying permission citing law and order concerns. It was eventually held, with riders on timing and number of participation, following a petition in the Karnataka High Court.

Priyank Kharge

Responding to Mr. Thippeswamy’s remarks, Mr. Kharge took to X and claimed on Saturday, “Take all available videos, photos, drone footage, and panoramic shots and try to show a gathering of 8,000 people. RSS has a tendency to exaggerate its image and reputation.”

He said the organisation was compelled to follow rules such as applying for permission, restricting numbers, sticking to a designated route etc. following the court’s orders.

Number of shakhas

Responding to the statement that between 2025 and 2026 Karnataka recorded 4,127 daily shakhas, Mr. Kharge said, “Good to know… Prepare the relevant documents. You will need to register them soon…. Instead of shooting from the shadows, why not engage in a transparent, open debate about RSS’s contributions and work? After all, there’s a century of claimed selfless service and nation building to showcase.”

The RSS has announced that it would do a rehaul of the Karnataka unit by 2027, which happens to be a year ahead of the Assembly elections in the State.