In the wake of the Karnataka Cabinet’s recent move to impose regulations on the activities of private organizations, including the Rashtreeya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), in public spaces, expelled BJP leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal has issued a pointed demand to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. On Friday, Yatnal called for a comprehensive ban on offering namaz in public areas such as roads and government buildings, unless explicit permission from authorities is secured.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, Mr. Yatnal stressed the importance of applying the same principle of neutrality and fairness universally across all segments of society.
The Congress government’s decision to establish new guidelines for regulating private organizations’ activities in public spaces has already drawn considerable criticism from the Opposition BJP and the Sangh Parivar.
Mr. Yatnal labeled the practice of offering namaz on public roads and government properties without official consent as an ‘obstruction’ that creates ‘public inconvenience.’ He argued that such actions infringe upon citizens’ fundamental rights to free movement and safety, as enshrined in Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution.
The senior legislator contended, “Allowing namaz on roads and government premises while simultaneously restricting other organizational activities on public property constitutes selective enforcement, thereby eroding the credibility of governance.”
Consequently, Mr. Yatnal appealed to the Chief Minister to promptly issue clear directives to all Deputy Commissioners and Police Commissioners throughout Karnataka regarding this matter.
The former Union Minister further pressed the government to develop a precise Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) or circular under the Karnataka Police Act and relevant traffic regulations. This framework, he suggested, would enable penalties for any unauthorized use of public spaces for religious purposes.
He concluded by asserting that “Uniform enforcement of these measures will reaffirm the State’s unwavering commitment to secularism, equality before the law, and the maintenance of public order.”
Earlier on Thursday, the Karnataka Cabinet announced its intention to soon introduce new rules governing events held in public and government-owned spaces. IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge had previously advocated for a ban on RSS activities in public areas, citing their alleged contradiction to Constitutional values.
However, Law and Parliamentary Minister H.K. Patil clarified that the proposed measures were not aimed at any specific group but were designed to prevent the misuse of public property. Moving forward, all organizations will be required to obtain formal permission before conducting activities in public or government-managed venues.