Can't blame Muslims for Razakar violence, take your hate elsewhere: Priyank Kharge to Yogi

Karnataka Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge has condemned Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's provocative remarks regarding his father, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and the tragic loss his family suffered during the Hyderabad Razakar violence.

Speaking out against Adityanath’s comments at a campaign rally in Maharashtra on November 13, Priyank Kharge emphasized that his father never used personal tragedy for political gain, nor allowed hatred to shape his values.

Adityanath had claimed that Mallikarjun Kharge had “conveniently forgotten” the loss of his mother and sister, who were killed by the Razakars during their violent campaign in the 1940s. The Uttar Pradesh CM accused the Congress president of suppressing this history for political convenience, aiming to secure Muslim votes.

Reacting to Yogi Adityanath’s remarks, Priyank Kharge noted that, though the Razakars had burned down Mallikarjun Kharge’s house, leading to the tragic deaths of his mother and sister, his father never exploited the tragedy for political gain, refrained from playing the victim card, and refused to let hatred shape his values.

Priyank asserted that it was the Razakars who were responsible for the violence, not the entire Muslim community, as every community has individuals who commit wrongs. He further remarked that those spreading hate should “take it elsewhere,” adding that Mallikarjun Kharge’s principles and ideology could not be undermined.

Mallikarjun Kharge’s family was among those affected by the Razakars, a militia that fought to keep Hyderabad independent under the Nizam’s rule. The Razakars were notorious for their repression of those opposing the Nizam’s government, , including Kharge's family.

The militia was disbanded after the integration of Hyderabad into India in 1948, but their actions have been part of a controversial narrative promoted by the BJP in recent years.

Adityanath’s comments aligned with the BJP’s portrayal of the Razakar violence as part of a broader "genocide" against Hindus under Muslim rule, a narrative that has been criticized for inciting communal divisions.

Priyank Kharge responded to these accusations by pointing out his father’s significant political achievements, despite the tragedy he endured. He highlighted Mallikarjun Kharge’s rise from a survivor of violence to a prominent leader, holding key positions as a nine-time MLA, MP, Union Minister, Leader of the Lok Sabha, and now the Congress president.

In his remarks, Priyank Kharge also challenged Adityanath’s divisive ideology, accusing him of discriminating against individuals based on their religion. He stressed that the discriminatory views held by certain elements of society do not define entire communities and that Kharge’s own political journey is a testament to his commitment to justice and equality.

Priyank affirmed that his father remains steadfast in his fight to uphold the values of social justice, as espoused by leaders like Buddha, Basavanna, and Ambedkar, and to protect the Indian Constitution from what he sees as the forces of hatred.