RSS Must Obtain Formal Police Permission for Route Marches, Says Priyank Kharge
Karnataka minister says merely informing the police is not enough, stressing that the same rules apply to all organisations.
Bengaluru: Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has said the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) must obtain formal police permission to conduct its route marches on Vijayadashami, arguing that simply informing authorities about a programme does not amount to seeking approval.
Speaking to reporters, Kharge referred to a letter from the RSS in which the organisation reportedly said it was informing the police rather than requesting permission.
“If they are only informing the police and not seeking permission, they should submit a formal application and obtain approval,” Kharge said, questioning whether the police department should be treated as an organisation’s personal service.
The minister maintained that state laws and regulations apply equally to all organisations and that no group should be exempt from the prescribed procedures.
Kharge also questioned remarks by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat concerning political change and governance. Referring to public protests over electoral issues, he said concerns had been raised about the functioning of the Election Commission and the electoral system.
Citing the RSS annual report for 2025 to 2026, Kharge said the organisation had conducted route marches at 562 locations across Karnataka, involving more than 200,000 participants.
He argued that events of this scale require substantial police arrangements for security, traffic management and crowd control. According to him, advance planning and formal permission are necessary to ensure that such programmes can be conducted in accordance with the law.
His remarks come amid a wider debate in Karnataka over the conditions and permissions required for public processions and gatherings.