Ravi hits out at Priyank Kharge over RSS remarks

BJP leader C. T. Ravi launched a sharp attack on Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge over his recent criticism of the RSS, labeling the remarks as politically driven. Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha on Tuesday, Ravi warned Kharge against creating unnecessary controversy, citing past failures by figures like former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Kharge’s father, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, to take action against the organization. Ravi defended the RSS, dismissing claims that it was anti-national or a threat to the country. Instead, he urged the government to address pressing issues like illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and missing women cases. His remarks highlighted a shift in focus from ideological debates to governance failures. The BJP leader also criticized the Congress-led state government over internal disputes in portfolio allocation and alleged corruption. He pointed to accusations against contractors, noting that while the BJP had faced claims of '40 percent commission' charges, the Congress now confronted allegations of '60 percent commission.' These claims were framed as evidence of the government’s moral inconsistency. In preparation for the upcoming Legislative Council elections, Ravi announced the BJP’s strategy to transfer surplus votes to its NDA ally, Janata Dal (Secular). He expressed confidence that this tactical move would help the alliance secure victory in the polls, leveraging coordinated efforts to strengthen their position in Karnataka. The exchange underscored escalating political tensions ahead of the elections, with Ravi framing the BJP’s approach as pragmatic and solution-oriented compared to the Congress government’s alleged focus on divisive issues.