Karnataka Minister Challenges RSS Over Constitution Remarks

Karnataka's Priyank Kharge criticized the RSS following remarks by Dattatreya Hosabale about revisiting the terms 'socialist' and 'secular' in India's Constitution. Kharge accused RSS of wanting to alter the Constitution, citing their history of opposition to it. The RSS raised concerns about past Emergency powers impacting civil liberties.

In a pointed critique, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge lashed out at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Tuesday over comments by RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale regarding the Indian Constitution. Hosabale had suggested revisiting the terms 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble, igniting political controversy.

Kharge accused the RSS of seeking to change the Constitution fundamentally, recalling their protests during its formation. 'These are the same people who burned the Constitution and demanded Manusmriti as our law,' he said, urging critics to review their historical stance as outlined in their publications like the Organiser's archives.

When asked whether the Congress would consider banning the RSS, Kharge referenced historical bans by leaders like Sardar Patel and Indira Gandhi, noting previous compliance by the organization. This comes after Hosabale, speaking at an event commemorating the Emergency's 50th anniversary, emphasized the need to reassess constitutional terms introduced then, linking them to a period of suppressed civil liberties.

(With inputs from agencies.)