📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Gulbarga Headlines
Politics
Priyank Kharge clashes with Tejasvi Surya over alleged RSS links to Lankesh, Kalburgi murders
✍️ India Today
🗓 10 Nov 2026, 08:32 PM
👁 7
BJP MP Priyank Kharge and fellow party MP Tejasvi Surya exchanged sharp remarks after Kharge questioned the RSS’s alleged involvement in the murders of journalist Gauri Lankesh and scholar M.M. Kalburgi.
In a heated exchange on the parliamentary floor, BJP leader Priyank Kharge raised questions about possible links between the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the high‑profile killings of journalist Gauri Lankesh and scholar M.M. Kalburgi. Kharge suggested that the investigations had not fully explored the ideological dimensions of the crimes.
Tejasvi Surya, a young BJP MP, responded by defending the RSS, stating that there was no credible evidence to connect the organization with the murders. He warned that unfounded allegations could damage the party’s image and communal harmony.
The dispute reflects ongoing tensions within the party over how to address past incidents that have sparked public outrage. Both MPs reiterated their commitment to a transparent inquiry, while urging law‑enforcement agencies to focus on concrete evidence.
Political analysts note that the controversy may reignite debates about the role of right‑wing groups in regional violence, especially in Karnataka where both killings occurred. The matter is expected to be examined further in parliamentary committees.
No official statement from the RSS has been released as of now, and the investigation into the two murders remains open, with several suspects already under trial.
Tejasvi Surya, a young BJP MP, responded by defending the RSS, stating that there was no credible evidence to connect the organization with the murders. He warned that unfounded allegations could damage the party’s image and communal harmony.
The dispute reflects ongoing tensions within the party over how to address past incidents that have sparked public outrage. Both MPs reiterated their commitment to a transparent inquiry, while urging law‑enforcement agencies to focus on concrete evidence.
Political analysts note that the controversy may reignite debates about the role of right‑wing groups in regional violence, especially in Karnataka where both killings occurred. The matter is expected to be examined further in parliamentary committees.
No official statement from the RSS has been released as of now, and the investigation into the two murders remains open, with several suspects already under trial.