Bengaluru, 12 Oct

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to ban all Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities in government institutions and public premises, arguing that such actions undermine India's unity and the Constitution.

In a letter to the CM dated 4 October, Kharge alleged that RSS shakhas were being conducted in government and government-aided schools, as well as public grounds, where slogans were shouted and "negative ideas" instilled in children and youth. He claimed these displays, often involving sticks, could have a harmful psychological impact.

Kharge said the RSS belief system contradicted India's ideals of unity and secularism, and called for strong government intervention. He requested that the ban cover government schools, aided schools, public playgrounds, parks, temples under the Muzrai Department, Archaeology Department sites, and other government premises. The CM has asked officials to consider the matter and take appropriate action.

Speaking to reporters, Kharge emphasised that RSS events should only take place on private property. "Let them do it privately in private schools or any individual's property. We have no objection," he said, adding that the organisation "sows the poisonous seeds of communalism."

Kharge's appeal comes as the RSS plans centenary events across the state. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's son, MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah, supported Kharge’s request, noting that any event in a public space should have government approval, which RSS members often bypass.

The BJP criticised Kharge. Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra called the move “foolish” and accused him of seeking political attention. He noted that previous Congress governments had attempted to ban the RSS but failed. Vijayendra described Kharge’s letter as a “gimmick,” suggesting it might be aimed at pleasing the Gandhi family or positioning himself for the CM post.

On social media, Vijayendra wrote: “Chants of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ by RSS shakhas have unnerved those used to hearing ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogans. Successive Congress governments have repeatedly tried to ban the RSS but failed, as its ideology of nationalism and social reform prevails.”

Senior BJP MLA and former minister S Suresh Kumar also criticised the move, warning that those unaware of history were attempting a reckless action that even leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi had failed to implement successfully.

Kharge’s letter underlines the ongoing tension between the state government and RSS activities in public institutions, highlighting concerns over secularism, public safety, and the influence of ideological organisations on young people.