Bengaluru, 23 Oct

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said the district administration holds the authority to make the final decision on granting the RSS permission for the its centenary march in Chittapur on 24 Oct.

The clarification comes in response to a recent emergency order issued by the State government, which Parameshwara emphasised was not specifically targeting the RSS.

"There is clarity in the emergency order that has been issued now. The department will issue an official order specifying it in more detail. It is now up to the district administrations to make the decisions. In the case of Chittapur, multiple organisations have applied together for permission. Different groups have also requested it. The decision on that should be made by the district administration," he said.

Parameshwara dismissed claims that the circular targeted the RSS, asking if the organisation was mentioned anywhere.

The row erupted after IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge, who represents the Chittapur constituency, penned a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging him to curb RSS activities in schools and public places.