L, while santhosh has launched a scathing attack on Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge following the latter's remarks regarding the registration of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Addressing the 'Akhand Bharat Sankalp Diwas' program organized by the 'Hindu Jagarana Vedike', Santhosh asserted that the RSS doesn't require any formal registration to prove its existence or legitimacy. He emphasized that the organization has been functioning for decades based on the unwavering trust of millions of people across the nation.
The Argument Against Formal Registration
L. Santhosh took strong exception to Priyank Kharge's statement about the need for RSS to be registered. He pointed out that even during the tumultuous period of India's partition, the RSS wasn't a registered entity, yet it stood firmly with the Hindu community. He argued that the existence of such a massive organization isn't determined by a piece of paper or a government registration number, but by the faith and commitment of its followers, while he reiterated that the RSS wasn't registered then, and it remains unregistered today, as its strength lies in its grassroots connection with the people rather than administrative formalities.
Redefining the Narrative of Independence
Santhosh also touched upon the history of India's freedom struggle, challenging the conventional narrative. He stated that the country's independence was achieved through the immense sacrifices of thousands of revolutionaries and freedom fighters. He argued that freedom wasn't merely the result of the Salt Satyagraha or the use of the spinning wheel (Charkha), while according to him, the nation gained its liberty because lakhs of patriotic young men, women, and soldiers were willing to put their lives on the line for the motherland. As the nation prepares to celebrate the 80th year of its independence, he urged the public to remember the sacrifices of icons like Madan Lal Dhingra, Chandra Shekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru. He emphasized that independence wasn't a gift handed over by the British out of benevolence, but a hard-won victory.
Demographics and National Identity
The BJP leader raised concerns about changing demographic patterns and their impact on national sentiment. He claimed that in areas where the Hindu population declines, the sense of connection with India tends to weaken, leading to the rise of anti-national sentiments. To illustrate his point, he cited the examples of the Shivaji Nagar and Chamarajpet assembly constituencies in Bengaluru. He noted that in the last 2 decades, no Hindu candidate from any political party has managed to win these seats. He challenged political parties to field such candidates in the upcoming elections. Santhosh clarified that the call for a Hindu majority isn't about defeating others, but about ensuring that India remains India.
Historical Reminders for the Kharge Family
L. Santhosh reminded Priyank Kharge of his own family's history. He mentioned that the family of Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, had to face the brunt of attacks by the Razakars in Hyderabad. He claimed that the family was forced to flee to Gulbarga (now Kalaburagi) to save their lives. Santhosh highlighted that it was the RSS workers who stood up and fought against those very Razakars. He specifically mentioned that Priyank Kharge's father had to flee his village with nothing but the clothes he was wearing at that time, emphasizing the role of the RSS in resisting the forces that caused such displacement.
The Vision of Akhand Bharat
Concluding his speech, Santhosh called for a collective resolve to work towards the goal of 'Akhand Bharat' (Undivided India). He described Akhand Bharat not as an administrative dream, but as a cultural and nationalist aspiration. He argued that this vision isn't impossible, citing historical examples such as the reunification of East and West Germany and the unification of Vietnam. He also pointed to Israel's success in bringing Jews from across the globe back to their homeland to build a strong nation. He asserted that as India grows stronger, those who harbor ill intentions against the country are feeling increasingly insecure, regardless of where they're in the world. He urged every Indian to take a pledge so that the eldest among us might witness the realization of Akhand Bharat within their lifetime.