Priyank Kharge Demands Ban on RSS Activities in Government Premises; CM Instructs Chief Secretary to Investigate and Take Action

Bengaluru: Minister Priyank Kharge has demanded a ban on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) from conducting any activities in government premises across the state. In response, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has instructed the Chief Secretary to investigate the matter and take immediate action.

Priyank Kharge wrote a letter to Siddaramaiah on October 4, urging him to prohibit all RSS activities—such as shakhas, sanghiks, or baithaks—in any government venues. The letter, which surfaced publicly on October 12, has sparked significant controversy and drawn sharp criticism from BJP leaders.

In the letter, Priyank Kharge called for a statewide ban on RSS branches and gatherings in government schools, aided schools, grounds, parks, Muzrai temples, and archaeological sites. This development has infuriated BJP leaders and pro-Hindu organizations.

On social media platform X, Priyank Kharge shared details of his letter to the Chief Minister, stating: "The Constitution itself empowers us to suppress divisive forces that undermine its values when they emerge. It is the fundamentalist ideology promoted by the RSS that has created an atmosphere where shoes are thrown at the Chief Justice and a mindset of insulting Babasaheb Ambedkar has taken root."

He emphasized that his request to the Chief Minister aims to restrict RSS activities in all government and public spaces, preventing their efforts to negatively influence children and youth while upholding the Constitution's ideals of unity, equality, and integrity.

Notably, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has responded positively to the minister's demand, directing the Chief Secretary to review the issue and initiate necessary action without delay. This has prompted BJP leaders and representatives from various pro-Hindu groups to launch vehement attacks against the government.

Senior Congress leader B.K. Hariprasad has also voiced support for Priyank Kharge. "The RSS is India's Taliban—an unregistered organization. We are highlighting this fact. Let them prove their registration. It is mandatory to obtain government permission before holding any program in public spaces. Yet, they have conducted activities in government venues without registration for years," he said.

Hariprasad questioned the disparity in enforcement: "If you protest in support of Palestine, the police arrest you immediately. But RSS shakhas are allowed on government grounds without issue. I demand to know why."

Citing Tamil Nadu as an example, he noted that the state government there has arrested RSS members attempting to hold programs in schools and colleges, registering cases against them. He urged similar measures in Karnataka.

Hariprasad added: "We have no objection to programs in government spaces if permission is obtained first. However, RSS shakhas have operated without approval for decades. They conduct these gatherings with lathis and talwars."