In a fervently charged discourse that has reverberated across India’s political landscape, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on November 10 issued a fierce denunciation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), accusing them of endangering the very fabric of India’s unity. Kharge’s searing words portray the BJP-RSS alliance as an existential threat to the secular, inclusive ideals that India has long celebrated. Declaring, “India’s unity is at stake,” Kharge’s statement is a wake-up call to the nation, questioning the motives and intentions of those in power.
In his powerful critique, Kharge minced no words, declaring that the actual threat to India lies not in the imagined divisions but in the actions of the BJP and RSS, which he claims are “actively trying to divide people.” Lashing out at BJP leaders for their divisive rhetoric, he stated unequivocally that India is already united—only the BJP-RSS, he argued, seek to tear it apart. He charged that the RSS fuels division and even incites violence, saying, “They talk of dividing and lynching from dawn till dusk.”
Addressing a ‘Save Constitution’ conference in Mumbai, Kharge argued that the BJP-RSS alliance has already sown deep divides in society, pushing a vision based on Manusmriti, an ancient text that he asserts endorses discrimination. This pointed critique draws from a long-standing ideological rift between the Congress Party, which has championed secularism and pluralism, and the BJP, whose foundations are intertwined with the Hindu nationalist values of the RSS.
In his latest remarks, Kharge warned that the BJP-RSS ideology threatens to unravel India’s unique social tapestry. He emphasized that their vision of a homogenized India undermines the country’s rich diversity—a strength Kharge believes is fundamental to India’s identity. “To challenge India’s diversity is to challenge India’s very existence,” he said, urging Indian citizens to reflect on the dangers of this divisive ideology.
Kharge’s words strike at the heart of an ideological conflict that has simmered for decades. While Congress has stood firm for an India that embraces all religions, languages, and cultures, the BJP-RSS alliance has pushed a vision rooted in Hindu nationalism. This clash of ideals goes far beyond political rhetoric; it seeps into social policies, the legal system, and even the nation’s education, affecting every layer of Indian society.
The Congress leader’s warning resonates deeply at a time when instances of religious and cultural polarization are disturbingly on the rise. Across India, reports of communal tensions paint a bleak picture, signaling a shift in social harmony that Kharge directly attributes to the BJP-RSS ideology. To many, Kharge’s call is not just political rhetoric but a reminder of what’s at stake—a secular India where all faiths and cultures have long coexisted in relative peace. “The India we grew up in, where all religions, languages, and cultures thrived, is slipping away,” he expressed, appealing to the nation’s shared memory of a more inclusive past.
“Some leaders wear ‘gerua’ clothes and have become politicians, some even chief ministers. They don the robes of a ‘sanyasi’ yet remain firmly in the political arena”
Mapanna Mallikarjun Kharge, President of the Indian National Congress
At the heart of Kharge’s critique lies a profound concern: he sees the BJP-RSS agenda as a direct threat to India’s Constitution, particularly to its secular foundations. Kharge argued passionately that India’s founders—visionaries like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Patel—envisioned a nation built on equality, where every citizen, regardless of religion or culture, would have an equal place. He fears that this cherished vision is being eroded under the current regime. “The BJP and RSS do not represent the India Gandhi and Nehru dreamed of. They are crafting an India that suits their ideology, not the Constitution,” Kharge asserted, a sentiment echoed by Congress supporters and others worried about the nation’s constitutional integrity.
Unsurprisingly, the BJP and RSS dismissed Kharge’s claims. BJP spokespersons countered that Kharge’s remarks are an attempt to instill fear for political mileage, framing the BJP as divisive when they argue that it is a unifying force rooted in India’s rich Hindu heritage. The RSS, meanwhile, maintains that it is merely a promoter of cultural values, devoid of political motives. In the BJP’s view, Kharge’s words are a distraction meant to steer attention away from the Congress’s past shortcomings—corruption, economic stagnation, and unfulfilled promises.
“The Congress Party has no right to question our dedication to India. We stand for a united, resilient India rooted in our cultural heritage,” declared a senior BJP leader, viewing Kharge’s statements as a politically driven attack disconnected from the patriotic sentiments that, they say, resonate with many Indians today.
Kharge couldn’t hide his relief as he spoke of how the Modi government was forced to limp forward, falling short of the “400-plus” seats it once boasted. With BJP now relying on the “crutches” of allies like Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu, Kharge saw this as a poetic twist, reminding the audience of the power that comes with unity and resistance. He pointed out that this government avoided open debates and discussions in its early years, stifling dialogue.
Reflecting on an era of mutual respect, Kharge evoked the late BJP leader and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He recalled how Vajpayee, even as an opposition leader, praised Indira Gandhi, likening her to the goddess Durga after the liberation of Bangladesh. There was a time, Kharge reminisced, when leaders on both sides—like Vajpayee and Nehru—admired each other, demonstrating respect for the democratic spirit and each other that is missing today.
Turning his sights on the current administration, Kharge accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using institutions like the ED, the CBI, and the CVC to intimidate opponents whenever the BJP’s hold seemed threatened. But with resolve, Kharge questioned how long Modi could sustain this strategy, asserting that the united opposition was ready to stand firm against threats and would not be silenced.
Without naming him directly, Kharge took a dig at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, criticizing his divisive language and his saffron robes, which were symbolic of an exclusionary ideology. Contrasting this divisive stance, Kharge celebrated India’s democracy, reminding his audience that India elected a female Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, long before the US—a nation that prides itself on progressivism—had even considered a woman president.
In an impassioned defense of the Congress’s legacy, Kharge credited the party and its leaders for laying the foundations of a democracy that allowed for a modern and inclusive India. He then took direct aim at Modi, accusing him of spreading lies about Rahul Gandhi’s recent display of a red handbook, which Modi claimed was a blank version of the Constitution. Kharge labeled Modi as “jhuto ka sirdar” (the king of lies), pointing out that this very handbook had been presented to President Ram Nath Kovind in 2017 as a symbol of constitutional values, not as a tool of “urban Naxalism.”
Kharge waved the red Constitution book, showing it was not blank, as Modi alleged. “Modi should re-enroll in primary school,” he quipped, mocking the Prime Minister’s lack of respect for the Constitution and accuracy in public statements.
In a sharp response to the BJP’s divisive slogan “batenge toh katenge” (If divided, we perish), Kharge passionately reminded the crowd of Indira and Rajiv Gandhi’s sacrifices for India’s unity. He questioned the intent behind the slogan, asking, “Aap kisko kaatengay? Indira and Rajiv Gandhi gave their lives for this nation’s unity!” He accused the BJP of sowing division, adding, “Modi Ji says, ‘ek hain toh safe hain,’ but it is their group that silenced the very voices that won us freedom.”
With every word, Kharge urged the nation to remember its values of unity, inclusivity, and respect for its diverse heritage.
Kharge poked fun at Adityanath at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in a pointed jab, though he refrained from naming him directly. He commented on leaders who “live in the guise of sadhus” but have ventured into politics, even rising to positions of power like chief minister. Referring to Adityanath, the head priest of Gorakhnath Math, Kharge criticized leaders who wear saffron robes, calling out the irony of their “batoge toh katogey” slogan—a call for Hindu unity that he argued only sows seeds of division and hate.
“Some leaders wear ‘gerua’ clothes and have become politicians, some even chief ministers. They don the robes of a ‘sanyasi’ yet remain firmly in the political arena,” Kharge remarked at the Samvidhan Bachao Sammelan. “If you are truly a sadhu, then step away from politics. Don’t spread hatred with slogans like ‘batoge toh katogey’—they divide the people and tear apart our unity.”
Further intensifying his criticism, Kharge took on the BJP as a whole, accusing them of fostering division through slogans and rhetoric that pit Indians against each other. “If there is a real threat in this country, it comes from the BJP-RSS,” he declared. “These are the people who speak of division and violence from morning to night. We have always strived to unite the country—Indira Gandhi even gave her life for this cause.” Kharge criticized Prime Minister Modi for distancing himself from the media and meaningful discussions with the opposition.
“In the past, our leaders would engage with the opposition and speak with the press. Today, Narendra Modi doesn’t even meet with the media,” Kharge remarked, signaling a departure from the democratic engagement of former times.
Turning to Maharashtra’s upcoming elections, Kharge pledged that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance would work for transparency and inclusivity. He promised a caste census and a commitment to extend reservations beyond 50% if the MVA wins, following the Tamil Nadu model. “This isn’t about dividing people,” he clarified. “It’s about understanding the needs of different communities to ensure equal benefits.”
At the MVA manifesto launch, joined by prominent leaders including Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut and NCP’s Supriya Sule, Kharge unveiled five pillars aimed at improving Maharashtra’s future—focusing on agriculture, rural and urban development, and health. “Our vision is rooted in the struggles of Maharashtra’s people, from rising inflation and unemployment to the hardships faced by farmers,” Kharge said.
Key promises in the manifesto included the Mahalakshmi Yojna, offering Rs 3,000 per month to women, a health insurance plan with Rs 25 lakh in coverage, and a free medicine program. Farmers would benefit from a loan waiver and additional assistance, unemployed youth would receive stipends, and women would be offered free public transport.
As Maharashtra gears up for elections on November 20, with results on November 23, Kharge emphasized that the MVA’s platform is designed to restore dignity to the state, contrasting it with what he described as the current government’s failures. “The double-engine government has derailed,” he declared. “The MVA will restore Maharashtra’s pride.”
In his closing statements, Kharge took a final swipe at Modi, accusing him of misrepresenting the Constitution’s “red book” as “urban Naxalite literature.” Refuting Modi’s claims, Kharge displayed the book and said, “This is not blank, as Modi claims. In 2017, he gave a copy to then-President Ram Nath Kovind.” Kharge went further, urging Modi to return to “primary school” for a refresher on basic knowledge.
The political tension that Kharge’s remarks stirred reflects India’s widening ideological divide. For millions of Indians, his words invoke a larger question that transcends party lines—what kind of values will define the nation? As India approaches its next election, Kharge’s stand may become a turning point, potentially reshaping the national debate on secularism, unity, and identity. For some, his statements are a much-needed defense of India’s pluralistic heritage; for others, they are a reminder of the Congress’s commitment to a secular India amid rising calls for Hindu nationalism.
Analysts believe Kharge’s words tap into the core of India’s identity debate. Will India remain a nation of diverse faiths and cultures or trend toward a singular identity? Kharge’s bold choice to confront these issues head-on has reignited discussions on the nation’s direction at home and on the global stage, with human rights advocates echoing concerns for India’s future.
The Congress leader’s words reveal the actual stakes of the upcoming elections, where the future of India’s secular soul may be at risk. As India wrestles with this profound question of identity, Kharge’s statement calls for a moment of national reflection. For him, India’s future is not solely about economic growth or political stability—it’s about the deeper values that will shape the nation for generations.
“We must ask ourselves: What kind of India do we want? One that respects every faith, every belief, or one that divides?” Kharge’s question stirs a sentiment felt by many who view India’s identity as far more prosperous than a single story, believing it to be a vibrant mosaic of voices, cultures, and traditions.
By labeling the BJP-RSS alliance as a “threat to India,” Kharge has spotlighted the deepening ideological rift tearing through modern Indian politics. By challenging the alliance’s dedication to secularism and inclusivity, he has ignited a debate that could reshape India’s political landscape for years. At this pivotal juncture, Kharge’s words resonate as a rallying cry for those who see India’s diversity as its greatest strength.
More than mere rhetoric, Kharge’s emotionally charged statement calls for preserving what makes India extraordinary and choosing a future path. For Congress, this may be a defining moment to reclaim its role as the defender of secular values, standing firmly against the surge of Hindu nationalism. As election season looms, Kharge’s message is poised to be tested, with the unity of India’s identity hanging in the balance.
