Bengaluru:In a sharp political attack in Bengaluru, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge questioned the role of the BJP and RSS in India’s freedom struggle, defended Tipu Sultan’s legacy, and flagged a massive ammunition seizure, triggering a strong counter from BJP MP Tejasvi Surya and a police complaint against himself.
Speaking to reporters, Kharge asked, “Are those who fought against the British not patriots?” He challenged RSS and BJP leaders to explain their participation in the freedom struggle and asked what role they played in the Quit India Movement, Dandi March and Non-Cooperation Movement.Kharge also highlighted the contributions of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan to the development of Lalbagh in Bengaluru. He said Tipu Sultan had protected the Sringeri Mutt during the Maratha invasion and said criticising historical figures without understanding history was inappropriate.
Referring to former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, Kharge claimed that during his tenure, Yediyurappa had written a foreword describing Tipu Sultan as a freedom fighter. He accused the BJP of changing its position according to political convenience. He added that the decision on whether to celebrate Tipu Sultan Jayanti rests with the state government.
Replying on X, Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya launched a counter-attack. Surya said, “Mr. Priyank Kharge, the cause of justice for Gauri Lankesh and Prof. Kalburgi deserves far better than political speeches at a Muslim Youth League event in Kerala.”
As Karnataka’s Home Minister, Surya said Kharge’s responsibility is to ensure justice as per rule of law, not pronounce prejudiced verdicts from political platforms.Highlighting trial delays, Surya said the chargesheet in the Gauri Lankesh murder case was filed in 2018 and trial began in 2022, and the case is now before its seventh judge with all accused out on bail. In Prof. Kalburgi’s case, only 33 of 139 witnesses have been examined as of September 2026. He said Congress has governed Karnataka for much of the period and the Home Department must answer for ensuring effective prosecution.
Surya also objected to Kharge’s reported remark, “Case chal raha hai, another six months I will finish it and I will put all these people in jail,” saying it insinuates which way the judiciary must rule and raises concerns about fairness and independence of ongoing trials.,”When you invoke the Sangh, name the individuals concerned who have been chargesheeted. Produce evidence to back your allegations within THREE DAYS or RESIGN,” Surya demanded. He reminded that Rahul Gandhi continues to face defamation proceedings over similar remarks concerning Gauri Lankesh’s murder.
The controversy intensified after Kharge shared a photograph on his official X account of RSS workers while raising questions about the seizure of 44,250 live cartridges in Bihar and Haryana.In his post, Kharge said this was not an ordinary criminal case but a grave national security concern. He said reports and photographs allegedly showing individuals implicated in the racket wearing RSS uniforms were even more disturbing.
Kharge posed five questions to the RSS and BJP and tagged RSS Chief Dr. Mohan Bhagwat.First, what is the RSS connection? Were these individuals RSS Swayamsevaks, what positions did they hold and what was their involvement?, Second, where were 44,250 live cartridges headed? He said this quantity is enough to facilitate violence on a massive scale and questioned who the intended recipients were.
Third, how did government-manufactured ammunition enter the illegal market? Reports indicate the cartridges bore markings associated with the Khadki ammunition factory in Pune. He asked who facilitated the diversion and which licensed dealers were involved.
Fourth, why are the BJP and RSS silent despite lecturing the country on nationalism and national security?, Fifth, he reiterated his demand that the RSS must be registered, saying an organisation cannot claim millions of Swayamsevaks when it suits its interests and disown individuals when criminal allegations emerge. Registration and membership records would strengthen accountability, he said. Kharge said he would be happy to personally facilitate RSS registration and even pay the registration fees.
Amid the row, a written complaint has been filed against Kharge at Bengaluru’s Banashankari Police Station. South Division DCP Dr. Kona Vamsi Krishna confirmed to media that a complaint was received from social activist Tejas Gowda on November 10.
The complainant alleged Kharge attempted to link RSS to the cartridge seizure through false and misleading information on X, creating an impression that RSS was connected to criminal activities and disturbing communal harmony.
The complainant sought an FIR under Sections 192, 196 and 353 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which relate to provocation to cause riots, promoting enmity, and statements leading to public mischief. He argued a minister’s statements carry huge influence and constitutional position does not grant immunity, and urged police to preserve electronic records.
However, DCP Krishna clarified, “We have received a complaint, never considered the case, we have intimated to go consent court, case not registered.” No FIR has been registered so far.
