Karnataka Set to Ban RSS Activities in Government Institutions After Minister’s Letter
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government is preparing to issue an official order banning Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities on the premises of government-run or government-funded institutions, following a letter by cabinet minister Priyank Kharge.
The letter, dated October 4, was written by Kharge—Minister for Rural Development, IT and BT—to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging that RSS events be barred from public institutions as they allegedly go against the spirit of the Indian Constitution.
On Sunday, October 12, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) released a copy of the letter to the media, alongside instructions from Siddaramaiah directing that “appropriate action” be taken in response to the concerns raised.
Minister Slams RSS Ideology
Speaking to reporters, Kharge delivered a scathing critique of the RSS.
“The philosophy of the RSS is poisonous. It doesn’t do any good to society,” he said.
Kharge questioned the commitment of BJP leaders to the RSS ideology, asking how many of their children attend RSS shakhas (training camps) or wear the RSS uniform.
“They all sit abroad while RSS tries to brainwash poor, Dalit, and backward caste youth,” he alleged.
Taking aim at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, he questioned whether his son—currently the ICC Chairman—had ever participated in RSS events or worn its uniform.
Criticism of Route Marches
Kharge also questioned the need for RSS route marches involving lathis (sticks), suggesting they were unnecessary displays of aggression.
“These marches have a harmful psychological impact on children and youth, especially when conducted without police permission,” his letter stated.
His comments came on the same day the RSS held route marches across India as part of its centenary celebrations, with around 100 marches reported in Bengaluru alone.
Two of the marches reportedly began from government properties, including a BBMP-run girls’ school in Shankarapuram and a BBMP playground in Rajajinagar’s Subramanya Nagar.
RSS ‘Undermining Constitutional Values’, Says Kharge
In the letter, Kharge accused the RSS of spreading divisive ideology that threatens India’s unity and constitutional values. He called for the group to be barred from conducting any shakhas or events at:
- Government schools and colleges
- Public parks and playgrounds
- Temples under the Muzrai Department
- Archaeological sites
- Any premises owned or managed by the government
Kharge asserted that such measures were necessary to protect secularism and prevent the politicisation of public spaces.
The government is now expected to frame and issue a formal order in the coming days, following the Chief Minister’s directive.
