BJP MP Tejasvi Surya on Monday criticised the Karnataka government following the suspension of a Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) for participating in an RSS event, describing the move as an “act of high-handedness.” Surya assured that the suspension order would be legally challenged and swiftly overturned.
Speaking to CNN-News18, Surya, who is also a legal professional, confirmed that he would personally intervene in the matter before the relevant tribunal and court. “This illegal and unlawful suspension will be quashed. A message will be sent that such intimidating tactics to suppress the right to participate in an organisation’s activity, which is a fundamental right, won’t be tolerated,” he stated.
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The controversy centers around the interpretation of service conduct rules. Surya asserted that the state government misinterpreted regulations, noting, “Karnataka service rules, like central service rules, do not prohibit public servants from attending RSS programmes. They only prohibit participation in political party activities. The RSS rally was a socio-cultural programme.”
He cited multiple legal precedents, including decisions from high courts in Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, to strengthen his position. Surya also responded to the government’s measures, including the use of General Orders to regulate RSS activities, drawing a parallel with Tamil Nadu, where high court interventions allowed RSS programmes to continue unhindered.
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Concluding, Surya emphasised the resilience of the RSS and reaffirmed his commitment to challenge the suspension. “This is one in a series of challenges the RSS has faced. I will personally appear before the tribunal and court to see this suspension order reversed,” he added.
