Karnataka cabinet decides to curb RSS activities on public properties

Bengaluru 

The Karnataka Cabinet has decided to issue an order preventing organisations, including the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), from using public properties for their activities, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil announced on Thursday.

The decision comes in the wake of IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge’s letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on October 12, urging a ban on RSS activities on government premises such as schools and colleges. In his letter, Kharge stated, “in the interest of the well-being of the country’s children, youth, and society, I earnestly request that a ban be imposed on all types of activities conducted by the RSS, whether under the name of shakha, sanghik, or baithak, on government property.”

Kharge’s demand triggered strong opposition from the BJP and led to a wave of abusive messages and threat calls directed at him and his family. Following this, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah instructed the Chief Secretary to examine the measures taken by the Tamil Nadu government to restrict RSS activities there.

Continuing his stand, Kharge on Thursday wrote another letter to the Chief Minister, seeking an official circular warning government officials of disciplinary action if they are found associating with RSS or similar organisations in violation of existing rules.