A fierce political showdown has gripped India as Congress president Mallikarjun Kharges call to ban the RSS has sparked outrage from the BJP, while party spokesperson Pawan Khera has leveled explosive claims against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarmas wife over alleged multiple passports and foreign assets. The dual controversies, unfolding amid heightened election rhetoric, underscore deepening rifts between the two major parties.

Speaking at a recent rally, Kharge reignited a long-standing Congress critique by urging a ban on the RSS, citing Sardar Patels 1948 decision to outlaw the organization after Mahatma Gandhis assassination. He accused the group of spreading communal poison and linked it to current unrest, while slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allowing government employees to join RSS activities and altering history textbooks. BJP leaders swiftly condemned the remarks as anti-national, comparing them to rhetoric from banned outfits and defending Patels own past praise for RSS discipline. The exchange has turned into a battle over legacy, with both sides accusing the other of rewriting history to suit political narratives.

In a related escalation, Pawan Khera claimed Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, wife of Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, holds passports from three countries and undeclared properties in Dubai alongside a US firm—omissions he said mar the CMs election affidavit. This comes just weeks ahead of Assams assembly polls. Sarma rejected the charges as baseless lies from a desperate Congress, announcing defamation proceedings and police action, including a raid on Kheras home following Rinikis FIR. Sarma even dubbed Kharge a madman for endorsing the claims, vowing to expose the full list of accusers.

With Assam elections looming, these barbs reflect classic pre-poll tactics: Congress aiming to tarnish BJPs clean image on corruption and nationalism, while BJP counters by portraying rivals as divisive and defamatory. Analysts see parallels to past scandals that fired up bases but left swing voters unmoved. As FIRs mount and rhetoric intensifies, the focus risks overshadowing bread-and-butter issues like development and security in the northeast. Updates are expected as legal battles unfold.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.