A prominent civil society group, the Sauhardya Karnataka Vedike’s Kalaburagi unit, has strongly urged the State government to disallow the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) from carrying lathis (wooden staffs) during their planned route marches.
High Court Intervention and Calls for Peaceful Marches
Speaking at a press conference in Kalaburagi recently, Vedike members K. Neela, Meenakshi Bali, and Arjun Bhadre highlighted that the High Court had recently instructed the district administration to convene a meeting with the RSS and other concerned organizations to discuss the matter and submit a report.
The Vedike members implored the district administration to issue directives requiring the RSS to carry the national flag and a copy of the Constitution instead of lathis during their proposed “pathasanchalana” (route march) in Chittapur, scheduled for November 2, should court permission be granted. They further suggested that participants should raise slogans condemning Nathuram Godse during the march, promoting a message of unity and constitutional adherence.
Concerns Over Public Safety and Communal Harmony
Ms. Neela voiced serious concerns, stating that RSS volunteers parading with lathis instills fear among the general public, particularly children. She characterized this as a deliberate act that could potentially disrupt communal peace and harmony within the region.
She also pointed out recent instances where certain RSS leaders allegedly made inflammatory remarks, encouraging Hindus to possess swords and knives for self-defense. Ms. Neela cited the recent Dussehra celebrations where, she claimed, RSS volunteers were observed openly displaying swords, further exacerbating fears of communal tension. She stressed the importance of the district administration taking decisive action against the organization if it fails to comply with constitutional guidelines.
Political Context and Calls for Restraint
Adding to the controversy, Mr. Bhadre brought up reports of threats and offensive comments allegedly made by RSS supporters against Minister Priyank Kharge and his family. He warned that this has angered the Minister’s supporters, making it highly inappropriate to grant permission for the RSS march in Chittapur under such circumstances, emphasizing the need to maintain public order and prevent further escalation of tensions.