Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday stated that he has instructed the state chief secretary to examine Tamil Nadu’s decision to restrict Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities on government premises. The move follows a letter from IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge, dated October 4, requesting similar measures in Karnataka.
Priyank Kharge seeks curbs on RSS
In his letter to the CM, Priyank Kharge alleged that the RSS conducts its ‘shakhas’ in government and government-aided schools as well as in public spaces, where “slogans are shouted, and negative ideas are instilled in the minds of children.” Kharge urged the Karnataka government to follow Tamil Nadu’s example, where staging any RSS event in public areas requires police permission.
CM’s response
Siddaramaiah said, “Priyank Kharge has written a letter. He has said RSS is using government premises, and he wants us to do what the government in Tamil Nadu has done. I have told the chief secretary (Shalini Rajneesh) to verify what has been done in TN.”
The CM emphasized that the review is aimed at studying the Tamil Nadu model before deciding any action in Karnataka.
Background on Tamil Nadu restrictions
In Tamil Nadu, RSS events held on government-owned or public grounds require prior police permission. The move has been seen as a measure to ensure that no organisation uses public institutions for political or ideological purposes without oversight.
Political reactions
Priyank Kharge, son of AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge, has been vocal about monitoring RSS activities in educational and public institutions, arguing that these events may influence students and the general public.
The Karnataka government is expected to review the Tamil Nadu framework carefully before making any decision regarding RSS activities on government premises within the state.