Kharge dodges questions on 'Bajrang Dal ban' in Karnataka election manifesto

A day after mentioning in its manifesto that the party will ban organisations such as Bajrang Dal if comes to power in Karnataka, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday refused to answer questions pertaining to its promise on banning the right-wing group.

"Dr Parameshwar was the chairman of the drafting committee and he has already clarified about it. I don't want to reply once my party people have replied and I do not want to give my individual opinion," he told reporters on asking about his promise in its manifesto to the voters of Karnataka.

Photo Credit: Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge

When asked whether the party wants to ban it only in Karnataka and why not in other parts of the country where it is in power, seemingly irritated Kharge asked, "You want to create problems for us."

Congress, in its manifesto for Karnataka Assembly polls, has said that it will ban organisations such as Bajrang Dal and PFI (which has already been banned by Centre) that spread enmity between the communities.

"The Congress Party is committed to take firm and decisive action against individuals and organisations spreading hatred amongst communities on grounds of caste or religion. We believe that law and Constitution is sacrosanct and can not be violated by individuals and Organisations like Bajrang Dal, PFI or others promoting enmity or hatred, whether among majority or minority communities. We will take decisive action as per law including imposing a ban on any such organisations," the manifesto read.

Meanwhile, Bajrang Dal workers staged a protest near the Congress office. The angry protestors burnt the party manifesto which was released by Kharge on Tuesday.

The VHP and several BJP leaders have also condemned the Congress for "defaming" Bajrang Dal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing an election rally in Vijayanagara district, said he was fortunate that he got the opportunity to pay obeisance to the land of Hanuman. "But see the misfortune that when I have come to pay my respect to Hanuman's land, at the same time, the Congress in its manifesto has decided to lock up Lord Hanuman. Initially, they locked up Prabhu Shri Ram (Lord Ram). And now they want to lock up people who say 'Jai Bajrang Bali'," he said.