Overview Former Minister and Congress leader Kimmane Ratnakar has raised questions regarding the efforts made by the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) , the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) , and their allied organizations to foster unity among Hindus, transcending caste barriers. The press conference addressed critical issues related to social cohesion and political ideologies. Key Developments Allegations Against RSS and BJP Caste System: Mr. Ratnakar alleged that the RSS and its allies have historically favored the caste system. He cited M.S. Golwalkar's book, 'Bunch of Thoughts' , as evidence of this stance. Inter-caste Marriages: He questioned the Sangh Parivar's reaction to incidents of violence related to inter-caste marriages, suggesting a lack of genuine commitment to uniting Hindus. Concerns Regarding Federal Structure BJP's Ideology: Mr. Ratnakar claimed that the BJP and its founders have opposed the federal nature of the country, referencing Golwalkar's book as being against the federal structure. Political Defections: He suggested that recent defectors to the BJP might be unaware of the party's core ideology, accusing them of falsely criticizing the Congress party's stance on federalism. Governor's Conduct Condemnation: Mr. Ratnakar strongly condemned Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's refusal to present the speech in the joint session. Demands: He demanded either the Governor's resignation or an apology to the people of the State, citing the Governor's actions as disrespectful to the national anthem. UPSC Relevance This news article is relevant to GS1 (Social Issues) and GS2 (Polity) . It touches upon critical aspects of Indian society, including the caste system, political ideologies, and the functioning of the federal structure. Understanding these issues is crucial for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Important Facts Event Date: The press conference took place on January 27, 2026 . Location: The press conference was held in Shivamogga . Key Figures: Kimmane Ratnakar , M.S. Golwalkar , and Thaawarchand Gehlot are key figures mentioned in the article. Political Parties: The article involves the Congress and the BJP .