Directs Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh to examine Minister’s letter immediately

Bengaluru, Oct. 13 (UNI)- The Congress Government in Karnataka appears to be moving towards banning Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities on Government and public properties, including schools and colleges.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh to immediately examine a request submitted by RDPR and IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge.

The move has sparked a political controversy as the CM acted on a representation submitted by Priyank Kharge, son of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, on Oct. 4. Acting on the letter, Siddaramaiah wrote to the Chief Secretary “to review and take necessary action with immediate effect.”

In his letter, Priyank Kharge urged the CM to impose a ban on all RSS activities within Govt. institutions and on public premises across Karnataka, arguing that such actions are contrary to India’s unity and spirit of the Constitution. “RSS has been conducting its shakhas in Govt. and Government-aided schools as well as in public grounds, where slogans are shouted and negative ideas are instilled in the minds of children and youth — ideas that go against India’s unity and the spirit of Constitution,” Kharge stated in his letter dated Oct. 4.

The letter, shared with the media by Karnataka CMO on Sunday, further alleged that divisive forces, such as RSS, were “sowing hatred in the minds of people,” making it essential to curb such elements to “uphold the secular values of the nation.”

Kharge also claimed that “aggressive displays” involving the use of sticks (dandas) were being carried out without Police permission, leaving a “harmful psychological impact” on children and youth. Calling for urgent intervention by the State Govt., Kharge demanded that the RSS be barred from conducting any activity, including shakhas, within Government institutions or on public property.

“I earnestly request that a ban be imposed on all types of activities conducted by RSS — whether under the name of shakha, sanghik, or baithak — in Government schools, Government-aided schools, public playgrounds, parks, temples under Muzrai Department, sites under the Archaeology Department and any other Government premises,” Kharge stated.