In a significant decision made on Thursday, October 16, 2025, the Karnataka Cabinet announced plans to issue an order that will prevent organizations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) from utilizing public properties. This directive aims to regulate the use of government premises by such groups.
This move comes after IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge formally requested Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to prohibit RSS activities on government properties, including schools, colleges, and other public facilities.
Dated October 12, 2025, Minister Kharge’s letter emphasized the importance of safeguarding public spaces. He urged the Chief Minister to implement a comprehensive ban on all forms of RSS activities—be it shakha, sanghik, or baithak—within government-owned facilities, citing concerns for the welfare of children, youth, and the broader society.
Kharge’s proposal sparked immediate and strong opposition from the BJP, leading to a wave of abusive messages and even threat calls directed at him and his family.
In response to the growing controversy, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directed the Chief Secretary to investigate how the neighboring Tamil Nadu government successfully curbed RSS activities within its state.
Further escalating the matter on Thursday, October 16, 2025, Minister Kharge sent a follow-up letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. This latest communication requested an official circular that would explicitly warn government employees of disciplinary consequences should they engage with the RSS or similar organizations, in contravention of established regulations.