Karnataka CM’s Son Yathindra Siddaramaiah Sparks Row After Comparing RSS to Taliban, BJP Hits Back

Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has stirred controversy by comparing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to the Taliban. Drawing parallels between the BJP's ideological parent and the Afghan Islamist group, Yathindra claimed the RSS seeks to impose a rigid version of Hinduism similar to how the Taliban enforces its interpretation of Islam. "They have a similar mindset... they believe only one view should exist in one religion," he said, accusing the RSS of curtailing freedoms, especially those of women. The remarks came even as Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in India on an official visit.

The RSS has not yet officially responded to Yathindra Siddaramaiah's Taliban remark. However, BJP Karnataka chief BY Vijayendra slammed the Congress, asserting that "the ideology of nationalism and social reform will triumph over anti-national elements." Yathindra urged the state government to regulate and register the RSS, claiming the group operates with "thousands of crores in funds" without legal oversight. He insisted, "If they are operating without registration, it is wrong."

Echoing his views, Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge and Congress leader BK Hariprasad also demanded legal restrictions on RSS activities. Hariprasad called the RSS the "Indian Taliban" and alleged that the organisation conducts shakhas-training sessions-in government schools without permission. Kharge urged the Chief Minister to ban RSS functions in public institutions, stating that such actions go against India's unity and secular Constitution. "Our Constitution gives us the authority to curb divisive forces," he said.

Reacting to these calls, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed he has asked the Chief Secretary to examine the issue, citing Tamil Nadu's example of denying permissions for RSS events on law-and-order grounds. The BJP hit back sharply, accusing the Congress of reviving "divisive politics." Vijayendra said, "The Congress banned the RSS thrice in the past but revoked it every time. They have no power to ban the organisation." On X, he wrote, "The Tukde Tukde Gang has risen again in Karnataka, but our state will never tolerate backstabbing against Bharat Mata."