‘Taliban culture within Congress’: BJP’s CT Ravi hits back after Priyank Kharge calls for ban on RSS activities

BENGALURU: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader C T Ravi on Monday accused the Congress party of “supporting terrorism” and “eliminating patriotism”, while noting that an organisation like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) espouses the values of nationalism and service to the nation.

“RSS teaches values of patriotism, nationalism and service. Everyone should be united, and keep aside caste and other differences, that is what it teaches. Taliban is a terrorist organisation. There is a huge difference between terrorism and patriotism. Congress supports terrorists and tries to eliminate patriotism. The culture of Taliban is within Congress, not within RSS”, Ravi said.

CORRECTION | Bengaluru, Karnataka: On Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge seeking a ban on RSS activities in the state, BJP leader CT Ravi says, “RSS respects* patriotism, nationalism and service…Taliban is a terrorist organisation. There is a huge difference between terrorism… pic.twitter.com/zllKyS3UWA

— ANI (@ANI) October 13, 2025

The BJP leader’s comments come amid Minister Priyank Kharge calling for a ban of all activities by the Sangh in the State, accusing them of “brainwashing young minds” and promoting a “philosophy against the Constitution”. The minister has called for the RSS to be barred from government schools, colleges, and state-owned temples.

He criticised the RSS, saying, “‘Hindu khatre me hai, bacha zyaada paida karo,’ (Hindus are in danger, birth more kids) yet its members remain bachelors. Why can’t they marry and practice what they preach?”

“I have requested the CM that RSS activities should not be allowed in government schools and colleges… RSS’s activities brainwash young minds, which is not helping the nation or society. I’ve written to the CM to not allow RSS activities or their ‘Baithaks’, even in archaeological temples or state-owned temples. Let them do it in private homes”, Kharge said while speaking to ANI.

Continuing his criticism for the organisation’s practices, he added, “They are the ones who refused the Constitution and who want Manusmriti as the Constitution. How many BJP leaders practice the Manusmriti in their homes? Let them practice in their homes and then come and preach to others”. (ANI)