A recent decision to suspend a government officer in Karnataka for attending an RSS route march has triggered a significant political backlash. The state’s Home Minister, G Parameshwara, has defended the suspension, citing existing civil service conduct rules that mandate political neutrality and prohibit association with organizations involved in politics. Meanwhile, the state’s BJP unit has strongly condemned the action, characterizing it as a manifestation of the ruling party’s alleged ‘anti-Hindu’ mindset.
The officer in question, Praveen Kumar KP, a panchayat development officer from Raichur district, was reportedly seen in full RSS uniform during a route march held on October 12 as part of the organization’s centenary celebrations. The suspension order, issued by IAS officer Arundhati Chandrashekar, pointed to a breach of conduct rules, specifically Rule 5(1) of the Karnataka Civil Service (Conduct) Rules, 2021, which prohibits government servants from joining or associating with any political party or organization that participates in politics.
Defending the government’s stance, Minister Parameshwara stated that participation in activities of such organizations by government employees is against service guidelines. Rural development and IT-BT minister Priyank Kharge also supported the suspension, highlighting the BJP’s defense of the officer as proof of his point about defiance of service rules. Kharge further emphasized that the government has the final decision-making authority on whether an organization is political.
Kharge’s remarks follow his previous letter to the Chief Minister urging action against officials attending RSS events and the issuance of a circular warning of disciplinary measures. He has also previously called for a ban on RSS activities in educational institutions and state-owned temples, alleging that the organization influences young minds with anti-constitutional ideas.
The BJP, however, has fiercely criticized the suspension, with state president BY Vijayendra calling it a ‘vindictive’ and ‘anti-Hindu’ move driven by malice. He demanded the immediate revocation of the suspension and an apology to the officer, warning of appropriate responses through constitutional means. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya also voiced his support for the officer, terming the suspension ‘illegal and unlawful’ and vowing to challenge it in court, citing existing judicial precedents that protect citizens’ rights to participate in social and cultural activities.