Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, the son of Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, has written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah requesting a ban on all activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in government institutions and public spaces throughout the state. In his letter, Kharge alleged that the RSS is conducting its “shakhas” in government and government-aided schools, as well as on public grounds, where slogans are shouted and negative ideas are purportedly instilled in the minds of children and youth, according to a report by PTI.
Kharge criticized the RSS’s belief system, arguing that it is incompatible with India’s ideals of unity and its secular framework. He emphasized, “When divisive forces that sow hatred among the people raise their heads, our Constitution, founded on the core principles of integrity, equality, and unity, grants us the authority to curb such elements and uphold the secular values of the nation.”
He further claimed that activities are conducted “without obtaining police permission,” with “aggressive displays” involving sticks, which he suggested could have detrimental psychological impacts on children and youth. Kharge called for strong 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’.”
Kharge specified that the ban should also apply to “government schools, government-aided schools, public playgrounds, parks, temples under the Muzrai Department, sites under the Archaeology Department, and any other government premises,” reinforcing that both citizens and the State are empowered by the Constitution to take action against forces that promote division, thus ensuring the protection of secular and democratic values.
This letter follows the recent detention of 39 RSS members by Chennai police for allegedly conducting training and a Guru Puja at Ayyappanthangal Government Higher Secondary School without prior permission. The incident occurred on October 2, coinciding with Vijayadashami, a significant day for the RSS, during which Chief Mohan Bhagwat delivered a notable speech at the organization’s headquarters in Nagpur, marking the centenary of the RSS.
