BK Hariprasad draws sharp political fire after comparing RSS with Jaish-e-Mohammed, Taliban

Bengaluru, August 17, 2026; Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President B.K. Hariprasad has triggered a fresh political controversy after drawing a comparison between the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and internationally designated militant organisations Jaish-e-Mohammed and the Taliban.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Hariprasad questioned the legal status of the three organisations and said their lack of registration in India was a common point between them. His remarks came amid an escalating political dispute over patriotism, national symbols and the RSS’s organisational status.

The Congress leader also backed Kerala University Vice-Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal’s criticism of the RSS in connection with the ongoing controversy surrounding Vande Mataram. Hariprasad alleged that the RSS has historically not participated in the singing of the national song or national anthem and has not hoisted the national flag.

The controversy has intensified following an FIR against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi over alleged disruption during the rendition of Vande Mataram at an Independence Day event. The Congress has rejected the allegations and accused the BJP and affiliated organisations of turning national symbols into political issues.

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge has separately questioned the RSS over its legal and financial framework. He has sought clarity on the ownership of properties associated with the organisation, the names under which its bank accounts operate, the handling of donations and the availability of audited financial records and tax filings.

The issue gained momentum after BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santhosh said the RSS does not require statutory registration, arguing that the organisation’s longstanding public work and relationship with society provide its legitimacy.

Kharge, meanwhile, has maintained that an organisation’s historical contribution cannot replace questions concerning legal and financial transparency. He also criticised BJP, ABVP and BJP Yuva Morcha, saying the Congress does not require certificates of patriotism from these organisations.

The Karnataka minister further attacked the Centre over the handling of student-related issues, including the rescheduling of the UGC-NET examination. He questioned Union Minister Pralhad Joshi’s response to student concerns and alleged that the government had taken too long to address grievances.

The exchange has added another layer to the widening political confrontation between the Congress and BJP in Karnataka, with the debate now extending from Vande Mataram and national symbols to the legal status and accountability of the RSS.