CM Siddaramaiah’s office allegedly develops close proximity with RSS leaders

Bengaluru

In a development that may appear both surprising and politically contradictory to the ideological stance of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, sources claim that his office has allegedly developed a close working proximity with certain leaders associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Multiple sources familiar with the developments told blrpost.com that some officials in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) have reportedly begun interacting closely with RSS ideologues and are even seeking their opinions on certain administrative and policy-related matters before taking decisions. If true, this development could raise serious questions about the functioning of the CMO, particularly because the RSS operates as a socio-cultural organisation that is not formally registered as a political entity or not-for-profit organisation.

The alleged engagement has also triggered concerns within political circles, especially considering the Congress party’s longstanding ideological opposition to the RSS and its affiliates. Critics say such interactions could undermine the political narrative often articulated by Congress leaders against the Sangh Parivar.

It is noteworthy that Karnataka’s Rural Development and Panchayat Raj as well as IT & BT Minister Priyank Kharge has repeatedly criticised the Sangh Parivar in recent months, particularly questioning the organisational structure of the RSS and raising concerns over issues related to transparency and funding. Kharge has issued several public statements in the past accusing the organisation of operating without formal registration and accountability.

Journalist and activist Naveen Soorinje said that certain influential officials within the Chief Minister’s Office have allegedly been engaging with RSS leaders due to political calculations regarding the future electoral landscape. “Some officials in Siddaramaiah’s office believe that the Congress may face electoral challenges in the 2028 Assembly elections and that the BJP could return to power. To safeguard their personal and bureaucratic interests, they are allegedly seeking informal consultations with RSS leaders before clearing important government files,” Soorinje said.

According to Soorinje, discussions are also reportedly taking place on sensitive policy matters, including issues related to reservation and social justice. He alleged that certain RSS leaders who are associated with Dalit outreach programmes have been interacting with officials in the Chief Minister’s Office regarding such matters.

“These developments raise serious concerns about the credibility and independence of the CMO,” Soorinje said, adding that administrative decisions must remain within the framework of constitutional governance and democratic accountability.

Another highly placed source within the Congress party claimed that officials from the Chief Minister’s Office allegedly held a closed-door meeting with GV Rajesh, former General Secretary (Organisation) of BJP Karnataka, shortly before Siddaramaiah met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2025.

Soorinje further remarked that individuals respectfully referred to as “Jis” — a term often used within RSS circles to address senior leaders — have allegedly begun to wield considerable informal influence in the corridors of the Chief Minister’s Office. According to him, this trend risks sidelining individuals who are actively working on policies aimed at public welfare.

He cautioned that unless Chief Minister Siddaramaiah intervenes and reins in officials who may be engaging in such interactions, the developments could eventually bring disrepute to the institution of the Chief Minister’s Office and raise uncomfortable political questions for the ruling government.