Gangadhar Kulkarni is the state president of the Shri Ram Sene in Karnataka. He regularly pushes “love jihad” propaganda, a baseless conspiracy theory. He is also known for promoting violence against minorities.

In October 2017, Kulkarni warned the police against the arrest of a Hindu monastery head who had been charged with assaulting a Muslim man, and threatened that there would be “dire consequences.”

In September 2024, Kulkarni said that the Shri Ram Sene had decided to carry weapons and give protection to people during Hindu religious processions, alleging that the Congress government had empowered some “jihadi elements” to create chaos.

“I warn the Muslim goons, only you can’t pelt stones or weigh talwars (swords). Hindu society also knows that during the Ganapathi procession from next year wherever necessary if any organizers request us, Shri Ram will give protection to the processions and 50 youth will carry talwar to give protection,” Kulkarni warned the Muslim community. “We have decided to carry weapons in our festivals without fear in the future,” he added.

In July 2025, Kulkarni alleged that police in Belgavi, Karnataka, were protecting those who had assaulted Sri Ram Sene cow vigilantes by tying them to a coconut tree. 

“Police officials immediately come to the rescue of the accused if they are Muslims in Belagavi. Almost all of them are acting like puppets of the government. The law and order situation has completely deteriorated,” Kulkarni claimed.

Kulkarni regularly posts conspiracy theories about “love jihad” and tips on how to stay “protected” on his social media, including publishing a book on the same.