Karnataka Government to Review Tamil Nadu’s Approach to RSS
Amid ongoing criticism from the BJP, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced he has directed the Chief Secretary to investigate the policy adopted by the neighboring Tamil Nadu government to restrict the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Speaking to reporters in Bagalkot, the Chief Minister confirmed that he was responding to a letter from IT-BT and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge. Kharge’s letter highlighted concerns about the RSS utilizing government properties and urged the state to consider similar restrictions to those implemented in Tamil Nadu.
The controversy intensified on Sunday, when the RSS held approximately 100 events across Bengaluru to commemorate its centenary. In his letter, Minister Kharge appealed for government intervention, stating, ‘In the interest of the well-being of the country’s children, youth, the public, and society as a whole, I earnestly request that a ban be imposed on all types of activities conducted by the RSS, whether under the name of shakha, sanghik, or baithak on the premises of government properties.’
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao echoed these concerns, questioning the RSS’s use of government facilities: ‘The RSS is a political outfit, even though they claim to be a cultural organization. How can a political outfit be allowed to use government facilities?’ However, Home Minister G. Parameshwara clarified that such a decision rests with the government as a whole, not individual ministers, and currently ‘there is no law, and there is no room for a ban.’
BJP Leaders Respond with ‘Patriotism vs. Terrorism’ Debate
Meanwhile, BJP leaders continued their strong denunciation of Minister Kharge’s stance on the RSS. Former Minister C.T. Ravi challenged Kharge to a public debate, asserting a ‘huge difference between terrorism and patriotism,’ with the RSS representing the latter. Ravi alleged that the Congress party was ‘supporting terrorism and eliminating patriotism.’
BJP MP Tejasvi Surya dismissed any potential ban as ‘futile,’ reminding critics that the RSS has historically grown stronger after previous prohibitions.
Kharge References Historical Ban by Sardar Patel
Undaunted, Minister Priyank Kharge maintained his critique on Monday, recalling that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, then Union Home Minister, banned the RSS in 1948 following Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. He also criticized BJP leaders for their ‘double standards,’ noting that they encourage others to join the RSS but do not enroll their own children.
Controversy Over Mallikarjun Kharge’s Camp Visit
The BJP’s official social media account posted a photograph of AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge at an RSS camp, claiming it showed the senior leader ‘appreciating the RSS’s social service activities’ and ‘extending full cooperation.’ Priyank Kharge quickly dismissed this as ‘false propaganda,’ clarifying that his father visited the site during a peace committee meeting with officials and community representatives. He emphasized that Mallikarjun Kharge, accompanied by then Police Commissioner H.T. Sangliana, had clearly stated, ‘either abide by the law of the land or be prepared to face the consequences.’