Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday launched a sharp counterattack against BJP MP Sambit Patra after the latter criticised Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s remarks on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Priyank accused Patra of defending an organisation that, according to him, once rejected India’s Constitution and sought to enforce the Manusmriti instead.

“Since when did Sambit Patra become so eloquent to discuss about Mr Kharge? It is Congress’s ideology that the Constitution and constitutional values should be respected and protected. How can we accept an organisation that rejected the Constitution and wanted Manusmriti to be adopted instead?” Priyank Kharge told reporters in Bengaluru.

Taking his criticism further, the Karnataka Minister questioned the RSS’s funding and lack of registration, demanding greater transparency in its functioning. “Why are they not registered, is what we are asking. Where are they getting their money from? Who is Mohan Bhagwat and why are his speeches being telecast live? Their activities should be banned in government premises,” he asserted.

His remarks came a day after BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra accused Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge of using divisive language similar to that of extremist groups. “The language used by Mallikarjun Kharge today is that of PFI and the Muslim League. These extremist organisations raise voices against the RSS because the latter wants to bring everyone together. Kharge should read history and the stance of the Congress leaders I mentioned,” Patra said during a press briefing.

The latest war of words reflects the continuing ideological tug-of-war between the BJP and Congress over the role and influence of the RSS in India’s political and cultural landscape.