Bengaluru: A heated exchange took place in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made a controversial remark linking the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to rising crime rates. His statement, made during a discussion on law and order, sparked outrage among BJP legislators, leading to chaos in the Assembly.
While responding to the debate on the Governor’s address, Siddaramaiah said, “Those who commit more crimes are none other than RSS members.” This infuriated the BJP, with opposition leader R. Ashok demanding that the CM withdraw his statement, warning that the Assembly proceedings would not continue otherwise.
In response, Siddaramaiah defended his stance, stating, “RSS has always been our enemy. When Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had banned RSS. We are not afraid of them; inciting violence is their only agenda.”
Congress Minister Priyank Kharge further escalated tensions by questioning BJP leaders, asking, “Do any of your children attend RSS shakhas (branches)? Why should poor children be pushed into them while your own get quality education?” BJP MLA Sunil Kumar retorted, “Your children are not worthy of attending our shakhas.” Priyank Kharge then declared, “Even if our children die, they will never join the RSS.”
The situation worsened as BJP members raised slogans in support of RSS and accused Congress of supporting the banned Popular Front of India (PFI). BJP leader Ashwath Narayan objected to Congress members holding the national flag during the protests, alleging disrespect toward it.
Speaker Shivalingegowda briefly adjourned the session for ten minutes due to the ruckus. When the Assembly resumed, BJP members insisted on expunging CM Siddaramaiah’s remarks from the records. They accused the Congress of trying to divide the country for political gains.
As tensions escalated, BJP leader Sunil Kumar mocked Congress by referring to Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi as "agents of China and Pakistan." Priyank Kharge countered by displaying a picture of PM Narendra Modi with former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif, asking, “Who went to Pakistan uninvited and enjoyed biryani?” BJP members responded by showing an image of former PM Manmohan Singh with Kashmiri separatist Yasin Malik.
CM Siddaramaiah refused to retract his statement, maintaining that he had not used any unparliamentary language. The session ended in another round of heated exchanges between Congress and BJP legislators, with Speaker Shivalingegowda adjourning the Assembly once again.