Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru ( NJC)
Mangaluru, Oct 17: Welcoming minister Priyank Kharge’s statement on restricting RSS activities, several leaders, including former minister Ramanath Rai, have emphasized that such a move is essential to protect the nation’s secular values and strengthen social harmony.
They asserted that government offices, schools, and public spaces must remain free from RSS activities to maintain communal peace. “We fully support the minister’s statement. Conducting RSS shakhas (branches) in public areas and schools influences young minds with divisive ideology. Such practices are detrimental to the unity and health of society,” they said.
The leaders alleged that organizations like the RSS and its affiliates were responsible for disturbing communal harmony in the district, leading to growing mistrust among communities. Referring to incidents of religion-based killings in the region, they also mentioned that organizations like the PFI have been involved in such crimes, many of which claimed innocent lives. “The root cause of these incidents lies in communal programmes and extremist activities,” they added, reaffirming their party’s commitment to social movements that promote secular and peaceful coexistence.
Former minister Ramanath Rai echoed similar sentiments, stating that banning RSS activities in government and public spaces is necessary to safeguard secularism and harmony. “Holding RSS shakhas in public places sows seeds of hatred in the minds of young children, which is harmful to the health of society,” he said.
Ramanath Rai further remarked that in the district, organizations influenced by the RSS are responsible for disturbing communal harmony. “Religion-based killings must stop. We have always opposed the communal organization RSS as much as possible. Even Rahul Gandhi has said that we do not need people who are afraid of the RSS,” he said. Accusing the BJP, he added, “The BJP is trying to spread fear among the Kharge family. To preserve a peaceful and harmonious society, everyone must work together.”
They recalled Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s words that the party should not fear the RSS but instead stand firm in its principles. “We agree with Rahul Gandhi’s view — our stand in society must remain strong and uncompromised,” they stated.
Expressing support for decisive government action, the leaders said, “We stand by the view once held by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel regarding the need for restrictions on organizations that create disharmony. As followers of Mahatma Gandhi, we cannot ignore that those associated with Gandhi’s assassination were linked to such groups. We condemn all elements that incite violence and spread fear among minorities.”
Concluding the statement, the leaders welcomed Mallikarjun Kharge’s remarks, saying, “To preserve a peaceful and beautiful society, we must work together. Kharge’s statement is timely and deserving of appreciation.”