Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that his government is exploring ways to restrict the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) activities in public spaces across the state. This consideration follows a directive to the chief secretary to examine actions taken by the Tamil Nadu government, which has reportedly banned similar activities in government-owned areas. Siddaramaiah stated that the aim is to ensure no organization causes disturbances in public places.
The potential restrictions are expected to impact RSS meetings held on the grounds of government and government-aided schools, public parks, and other state-owned lands. This initiative gained momentum after Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge advocated for a ban on RSS activities in educational institutions and state temples, citing concerns about the organization’s alleged influence on young minds and its promotion of ideologies contrary to the constitution.
Following his letter to the Chief Minister, Minister Kharge reported receiving numerous threat calls and abusive messages. He expressed his resolve to continue challenging what he described as the “toxic mentality spread by the RSS,” drawing parallels to historical figures who opposed the organization’s perceived ideology.