The Karnataka High Court on Sunday asked the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to submit a fresh petition to organize a route march on November 2 in Chittapur in the state.
The High Court directed the petitioners to file a fresh petition before the district collectors along the route of the march.
Although the Bhim Army and Dalit Panthers had also sought permission to protest, the High Court directed that separate time be allotted to the two organisations, RSS and Bhim Army.
The hearing has been adjourned till October 24. The court was hearing a petition seeking permission for an RSS route march in Chittapur, the constituency of Karnataka minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge.
This comes amid the ongoing tussle between the Karnataka government and the RSS.
The controversy over RSS in Karnataka started when Priyank Kharge demanded a ban on RSS activities in government schools, colleges and government temples. He said that extra-curricular activities should not be allowed in government schools and colleges.
He also wrote to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging action against the officers attending RSS events, citing violation of Rule 5(1) of the Karnataka State Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021.
Meanwhile, security has been beefed up outside Kharge’s residence after he reportedly received threats over the past few days following his comments on banning RSS activities in government schools and colleges.
Earlier today he strongly criticized BJP MPs for defending a Karnataka government official suspended due to alleged RSS involvement.
He said, “BJP MPs are coming forward to defend those who are violating the service conduct rules laid down by the state government. This proves my point.”
Kharge’s comments come at a time when BJP MP Tejashwi Surya has defended a government official suspended by the Karnataka government for allegedly attending an RSS Pathshala programme.
In a post on X, Priyanka Kharge highlighted the rules and responsibilities of government employees.
He wrote, “Hmmmm… Interesting that BJP MPs are coming forward to defend those who are violating the service conduct rules laid down by the state government. This proves my point. Anyway, the rules state that no government servant shall be a member of, or in any other way be associated with, any political party or any organization taking part in politics, nor shall he take part in, contribute to, or assist in any other way any political movement or activity.” Will do.”