The Karnataka cabinet on Thursday decided to frame rules regulating activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its affiliated organisations in public spaces and government institutions. The move follows state minister Priyank Kharge’s recent letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, seeking a ban on RSS activities in such areas.
Speaking after the cabinet meeting, Kharge clarified that the government does not intend to control any organisation but will now require prior permission for activities in public places. “You cannot conduct marches or events on roads waving sticks or hold Patha Sanchalan without government approval. All these will be included in the new rules,” Kharge said.
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He further explained that the new regulations would cover government schools, colleges, premises, and aided institutions. The government plans to consolidate existing orders from the Home, Law, and Education departments to bring the rules into effect within two to three days, in accordance with constitutional provisions.
The move has triggered a political row between Congress and the BJP. BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra criticised Kharge’s stance, sharing an old photograph of his father, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, attending an RSS event in 2002 as the then state home minister.
In his letter, Priyank Kharge had alleged that the RSS holds shakhas in government institutions and instills divisive ideas among youth. He also accused the organisation of conducting discriminatory recruitment drives and aggressive demonstrations involving sticks, claiming they negatively influence young minds.
