BENGALURU: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) conducted around 100 Vijayadashami route marches across Bengaluru on Sunday, October 25, with thousands of volunteers participating in processions across different neighbourhoods amid a political debate over police permissions and restrictions imposed on the organisation.
The annual Patha Sanchalana marches were held as part of the RSS’s Vijayadashami observances and centenary celebrations. The processions took place under police security arrangements intended to maintain law and order and prevent disruptions to traffic.
According to reports, the marches were organised across several parts of the city, including Vijayanagar-Kengeri, Majestic-Chickpet, Jayanagar-JP Nagar, Rajajinagar and Malleshwaram.
Major route marches held across city
Five major marches were identified by RSS representatives, while around 100 processions were organised across Bengaluru.
The Vijayanagar-Kengeri march began at KCK Ground, while the Jayanagar-JP Nagar procession started from the BBMP playground. The Rajajinagar march began at KLE Ground, and the Malleshwaram procession started from Malleshwaram Circle. A march in the Majestic-Chickpet area was scheduled to begin from Muneshwara Temple.
Volunteers, including children, young people and senior members, participated in the programmes. In Chamarajpet, a procession passed through several localities and concluded in front of Siddharoodha Ashram.
The marches were also organised in other parts of Karnataka, including Hubballi and Kalaburagi, while some programmes elsewhere in the state were postponed, rescheduled or granted conditional permission.
R Ashoka alleges restrictions by government
Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly R. Ashoka participated in the march organised by the RSS Jayanagar unit, along with Legislative Council Leader of the Opposition Chalavadi Narayanaswamy and Jayanagar MLA C.K. Ramamurthy.
Ashoka accused the Congress-led state government of imposing restrictions and delaying permission for the marches until the last minute. He said the organisation had faced difficulties in obtaining approvals this year.
Despite the reported delays, Ashoka said the marches had been conducted peacefully and with enthusiasm. He described the programmes as an opportunity for volunteers to come together and promote what he called national harmony.
His remarks came amid a wider political disagreement over the procedures the RSS must follow before organising public processions.
Priyank Kharge calls for formal police permission
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge had earlier maintained that the RSS must obtain formal police permission rather than merely inform authorities about proposed route marches.
Kharge argued that large public processions require advance planning for police deployment, traffic management, security and other logistical arrangements. He urged organisers to submit applications in the prescribed format, provide route details and wait for approval from the competent authorities.
He also questioned the RSS’s registration status and called for greater transparency regarding its funding and financial affairs.
The issue prompted responses from BJP leaders and RSS supporters, who challenged the government’s position and argued that the organisation had the right to conduct its activities under constitutional protections.
RSS marches held amid political debate
The route marches took place against the backdrop of a broader disagreement between the Congress government and the RSS over the requirements for conducting public events.
The controversy also extended to other districts, where police decisions varied. Some marches received conditional permission, while programmes in certain locations were postponed or rescheduled due to permission-related issues and the Model Code of Conduct in force for Legislative Council elections.
The RSS has described its route marches as traditional organisational activities conducted during Vijayadashami. Police arrangements were made along key stretches in Bengaluru to facilitate the processions and prevent untoward incidents.
The successful conduct of the marches across Bengaluru marked a significant day for the organisation’s local units, even as the debate over permissions, registration and public accountability continued between the RSS, the BJP and the state government.