CPI general secretary D Raja criticised BJP MP Ramesh Jigajinagi’s remarks about Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge, saying they reflected contempt towards Dalit communities. Raja argued the comments suggested a hierarchical mindset and questioned why the RSS-BJP objected to Dalits asserting constitutional rights. He said political threats must not silence democratic dissent.
India
-Krishna Kripa
Communist Party of India (CPI) general secretary D Raja on Friday criticised BJP MP Ramesh Jigajinagi over remarks aimed at Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge. Raja said the comments showed a caste-based outlook within the RSS-BJP. Raja wrote on X that the statements indicated contempt towards Dalit communities and expected Dalits to stay silent.
CPI general secretary D Raja criticised BJP MP Ramesh Jigajinagi’s remarks about Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge, saying they reflected contempt towards Dalit communities. Raja argued the comments suggested a hierarchical mindset and questioned why the RSS-BJP objected to Dalits asserting constitutional rights. He said political threats must not silence democratic dissent.
The dispute began after Priyank Kharge sought information from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). On Monday, Kharge asked the RSS to register itself and explain its legal status. Kharge also sought details of funding, income, spending and assets. Kharge wrote to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, citing transparency and constitutional accountability.
RSS-BJP remarks and CPI response
Raja linked Jigajinagi’s remarks to what Raja called a social order based on hierarchy. Raja said such views were against equality. Raja added that Dalits and other marginalised groups were being told not to question authority. Raja also asked why the RSS-BJP reacted uneasily when Dalits asserted constitutional rights.
Raja said the remarks showed “the deep contempt that the RSS-BJP harbours towards Dalit communities\”. Raja also said the mindset behind them must be rejected. Raja argued that the issue was not only political, but also about equal rights. Raja said threats should not decide who can speak in a democracy.
Priyank Kharge and RSS questions
Raja said, \”Armed with the Constitution drafted by Dr BR Ambedkar, we will continue to question the RSS-BJP and fight for the annihilation of caste. No threat can silence the democratic voices who are fighting for equality, dignity and justice,\” and linked the stand to constitutional values. Raja presented the remarks as an attempt to discourage scrutiny.
Jigajinagi made the comments while addressing a press conference in Vijayapura. Jigajinagi questioned Kharge’s role and suggested Kharge should not raise issues about the RSS. Jigajinagi also suggested that challenging the RSS had serious consequences. The BJP MP’s comments followed Kharge’s letter to Mohan Bhagwat.
Jigajinagi said, \”Is it his job to ask such questions about RSS? People will only tell him what RSS is. Whoever came in the way of RSS did not survive. He is unnecessarily picking up an issue with the RSS. We feel bad about it,\” and criticised the minister’s focus on the organisation. The remarks drew Raja’s condemnation.
Jigajinagi also asked, \”My question is why does this Dalit man need to be concerned about the RSS?\” Raja said such wording reflected a belief in inequality, not equal citizenship. Raja argued that Dalits had the right to question powerful groups under the Constitution. The exchange kept attention on transparency demands and caste-based criticism.
With inputs from PTI
