Members of the Dalit Sanghatanegala Samanvaya Samiti and other Dalit organisations staged a protest outside the office of the Deputy Commissioner in Kalaburagi on Thursday condemning the remarks made by several BJP leaders against Home Minister Priyank Kharge following his recent questions on the status and functioning of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

The protesters said that instead of responding to issues raised by Mr. Kharge, BJP leaders have resorted to personal attacks and are issuing threatening remarks against him.

The agitators said that statement made by BJP MP Ramesh Jigajinagi and the former Ministers K.S. Eshwarappa and C.T. Ravi against Mr. Kharge are derogatory and threatening in nature.

They urged the State government to take serious note of such remarks and safeguard democratic values and freedom of expression.

Referring to Mr. Kharge’s recent letter to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat seeking clarification on the organisation’s registration and stated objectives, the protesters contended that the questions have been raised in the interest of transparency and public accountability and are not directed at any individual.

The protesters also called upon the State government and the Congress to extend support to Mr. Kharge. Reiterating their demand for greater scrutiny of the RSS, they said that there is lack of transparency in its organisational structure and functioning and sought its registration under an appropriate regulatory framework.

Raising slogans demanding registration of the RSS and expressing solidarity with Mr. Kharge, the protesters formed a human chain outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

Holding placards carrying messages such as “Ban RSS”, “RSS should be registered”, “Withdraw Z Plus security for RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat” and “We stand with Priyank Kharge”, they submitted a memorandum addressed to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar through the Deputy Commissioner.

The memorandum urged the State government to examine the legal status of the RSS and take appropriate steps to safeguard constitutional values and social harmony.

Activists Devendra Sinnur, Mallappa Hosamani, Renuka Singhe, Dinesh Doddamani and members of various organisations led the protest.