1. Karnataka Cabinet Moves to Restrict RSS Activities in Government Institutions and Public Spaces
The Karnataka Cabinet has taken a significant step to regulate the activities of organizations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) within government institutions and public areas. On October 16, 2025, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil announced the government’s decision to issue an order to prevent unauthorized use of public properties by such groups. This move comes after IT-BT and RDPR Minister Priyank Kharge urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to ban RSS activities on public lands and within government educational premises.
Furthermore, Minister Kharge escalated the matter by requesting an official circular that would warn government officials of disciplinary action if they engage with the RSS or similar organizations. He highlighted that such associations could violate the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules 2021, which prohibit government employees from being members of, or having ties to, political parties or organizations involved in political activities, including funding or assisting political campaigns.
2. Infosys Founders Narayana Murthy, Sudha Murty Decline Participation in Karnataka Caste Survey
In a notable development, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy and his wife Sudha Murty have opted out of Karnataka’s Social and Educational Survey. According to sources from the BBMP on October 16, 2025, the couple stated they do not identify with any backward caste. When enumerators visited their home recently, they reportedly conveyed their unwillingness to participate in the survey.
Sudha Murty further formalized her stance with a signed self-declaration letter, citing “personal reasons” for her refusal to provide information for the survey. She also reportedly clarified in Kannada that since they do not belong to any backward community, they would not take part in a government survey designed for such groups.
3. Ban Imposed on Kaneri Mutt Seer’s Entry to Vijayapura District for Two Months
The Vijayapura district administration in Karnataka has imposed a two-month ban on the entry of Sri Adrushya Kadasiddeshwar Swami, the seer of Kaneri mutt in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. The seer was scheduled to visit Vijayapura district on October 16 and 17 for the death anniversary of Sri Siddarameshwar Swami in Basavana Bagewadi.
This prohibition comes amidst numerous complaints and protests from various Lingayat and other organizations. These groups allege that the Kaneri mutt seer has used derogatory language against Lingayat seers advocating for a separate religious identity, even suggesting they should be “beaten with slippers.” The two-month ban has been implemented to preempt potential disruptions to public order and maintain peace in the region.
4. Sales Executive Arrested for Threatening Call to Minister Priyank Kharge
Bengaluru’s Sadashiva Nagar police have apprehended 40-year-old Dhanappa, a sales executive from Solapur, Maharashtra, for allegedly making threatening and abusive phone calls to Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge. The calls reportedly stemmed from Kharge’s advocacy for a ban on RSS activities.
Following a complaint, police utilized call record data to trace Dhanappa to his hometown. He has been taken into custody for questioning to determine the motive behind his actions and how he obtained the minister’s personal contact details.