Karnataka to Regulate Use of Public Spaces; Not Just About RSS, Says CM Siddaramaiah
The Chief Minister clarifies that new rules for events on government property will apply to all organizations.
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Friday that the state cabinet’s recent decision to create rules for using public spaces is not aimed at any single organization.
The statement came after a cabinet decision on Thursday to regulate events held in public areas and on government property. This move was widely seen as an effort to control the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), including their road marches and public gatherings.
However, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified the government’s position. “It is not just about the RSS,” he explained. “Any organization conducting activities without government permission is not allowed.”
He added that a similar rule already existed. “This rule was actually brought in by the BJP under Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar,” Siddaramaiah noted.
He was referring to a circular from 2013, when the Shettar-led government ordered that school premises and their playgrounds should be used only for educational purposes.
