The Karnataka government recently announced the termination of an assistant cook from a hostel managed by the Backward Classes Welfare department in Basavakalyana, Bidar district. The decision stems from allegations that the cook, Pramod Kumar, took part in a route march organized by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
This action was initiated following a complaint lodged with the District Backward Classes Welfare Officer on October 20, 2025, through WhatsApp, specifically detailing Kumar’s involvement in the aforementioned march.
Subsequently, the Basavakalyana Taluk Backward Classes Welfare Officer formally requested the Bidar District Labour Services Multipurpose Cooperative Society to relieve Kumar from his position.
The official communication highlighted that Pramod Kumar, despite being an assistant cook at the Pre-Matric Boys Hostel in Basavakalyana through external resources, is considered a staff member receiving a salary from the government. As such, government employees are legally barred from participating in any organizations, particularly those with political leanings.
Consequently, Pramod Kumar’s services were officially discontinued on the morning of October 21, with the notice sent to the Secretary/Chief Administrative Officer of the Bidar District Labour Services Multipurpose Cooperative Society.
Previous Suspension: The Raichur PDO Case
This incident mirrors a similar situation from the previous week when the government suspended Panchayat Development Officer Praveen Kumar K.P. for his attendance at an RSS centenary celebration held in Lingsugur, Raichur.
Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Priyank Kharge, had previously advocated for such disciplinary actions, writing to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to recommend stringent measures against government personnel found to have connections with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
The minister’s request was based on the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, which explicitly forbid government employees from being members of or participating in events organized by groups with political affiliations.