Kalaburagi, 18 Oct

The Karnataka BJP on Saturday lashed out at Minister Priyank Kharge over the removal of RSS' publicity material in Chittapur taluk in Kalaburagi district ahead of a major event. The Congress leader, however, alleged the saffron organisation had not taken permission for the programme.

The RSS had scheduled its 'Patha Sanchalana,' a route march seen as its show of strength and came at a time when the Congress government has decided to implement rules on holding of events in public places and government spaces. The move is seen as one aimed apparently at checking the RSS, with Kharge himself flagging the need for such restrictions with the Chief Minister a few days ago.

On Saturday, RSS flags, flex, banners and posters in Chittapur Taluk were removed. Kharge, the IT/BT minister, represents the Chittapur Assembly constituency.

BJP leader R Ashoka posted on X, "Is Chittapur in India or is it the Republic of the Kharge family?"

“Have (RSS) they taken permission for it?" Kharge responded. He said he was also fined for putting up posters and banners without permission from the authorities. "The information I have is that they have just given intimation about their event but they have not taken permission. Is the RSS flag the national flag?”

He also claimed that a BJP functionary threatened him saying that RSS volunteers will enter his house and beat him up.

"I am going to lodge a complaint with the Director General of Police," Kharge said.

However, Ashoka, the State Leader of Opposition said permission letter was obtained from the municipality and an Advertisement tax was paid to the municipality and a receipt has been obtained.

Tejasvi vows to fight for PDO suspended for RSS ties

Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya vowed to fight in court for the Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) who was suspended after a video showed the latter taking part in a RSS event. The Raichur PDO was suspended on Friday. 

“I have spoken to the officer suspended for taking part in RSS Pathsanchalan by the State Government,” Surya said in a statement. “Assured him that I will personally appear before the concerned tribunal and courts to challenge this illegal and unlawful suspension. There are multiple judgements from across High Courts which have upheld government servants’ right to participate in RSS programmes.”