Controversial Comparison: Karnataka CM's Son Compares RSS to Taliban

Yatindra Siddaramaiah's Provocative Remarks

Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's son, Yatindra Siddaramaiah, has sparked controversy by likening the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent of the BJP, to the Taliban, the extremist group that controls Afghanistan. During a press interaction on Monday, Yatindra asserted that the RSS aims to impose rigid interpretations of Hinduism similar to how the Taliban enforces its version of Islam. He emphasized that the mindset of the RSS mirrors that of the Taliban, which issues edicts to enforce a specific interpretation of Islam while restricting women's freedoms. In the same vein, he claimed, the RSS seeks to enforce Hinduism in a singular manner.

 

Calls for Regulation of RSS Activities

Yatindra further demanded that the RSS be registered as an organization and that its activities be curtailed. He pointed out that the RSS possesses vast properties worth thousands of crores but operates without registration. Such a powerful organization, he argued, should be brought under legal scrutiny. His comments received backing within the Congress party, with Karnataka's IT Minister Priyank Kharge and senior leader B.K. Hariprasad echoing similar sentiments. Hariprasad labeled the RSS as the 'Indian Taliban' and accused it of running branches (training sessions) in government schools without permission.

 

Congress Leaders Demand Action Against RSS

Kharge, the Congress president's son, urged the Chief Minister to impose a ban on RSS activities in government institutions and public spaces, describing them as divisive and contrary to the spirit of the Constitution. The BJP responded sharply, denouncing these remarks as 'anti-national' and accusing Congress leaders of diverting attention from governance issues by targeting the RSS. Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra stated on social media, 'No restrictions can be placed on the RSS. Its ideology of nationalism and social reform will always triumph over the anti-national Congress.' He added, 'Under the Congress government, the 'tukde-tukde gang' has resurfaced in Karnataka. However, the people of the state will never tolerate such betrayal of the motherland.'