In a recent decision, Deputy Commissioner Harshal Bhoyar officially denied permission for a planned route march by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Gurmitkal. The proposed march, slated for Sunday, October 25, was halted because the organization’s application failed to meet the mandatory three-day prior submission deadline.
The Deputy Commissioner conveyed this rejection to Basappa Sanjanol, the district chief pracharak for RSS, confirming that the late submission was the sole reason for the denial.
Sanjanol explained to The Hindu that an initial application was submitted to the Gurmitkal tahsildar on October 20. However, it was returned on October 23, with the tahsildar clarifying that the Deputy Commissioner was the appropriate authority to grant such permissions and advising a direct application to that office.
Consequently, the RSS submitted their application to the Deputy Commissioner on October 23, requesting permission for the October 25 event. Despite this, the application was rejected due to not adhering to the requirement of a three-day advance submission.
Following this setback, the RSS leadership convened a meeting to discuss their next steps. They have decided to submit a new application, adhering strictly to the timelines, for future dates. “We are committed to following all rules and will ensure our application reaches the DC well within the stipulated time,” Sanjanol stated.
A Familiar Scenario in Chittapur
This incident in Gurmitkal mirrors a similar situation currently unfolding in Chittapur, Kalaburagi district, where the RSS’s proposed route march is also facing obstacles. The local administration in Chittapur previously denied permission for a march scheduled for October 19. Their reasoning centered on potential law and order disturbances, as both the Bhim Army and Bharatiya Dalit Panthers had also planned processions for the same day and along the same route.
In response, RSS leader Ashok Patil challenged this denial in the Karnataka High Court, Kalaburagi Bench. On October 24, the High Court instructed district authorities to organize a peace meeting involving all concerned organizations and the public, aiming for a harmonious resolution. The case is scheduled for further hearing on October 30. The RSS has expressed its intention to hold its centenary route march in Chittapur on November 2, pending the court’s final decision.