RSS march not permitted

Chittapur MLA and state minister Priyank Kharge confirmed that not just the RSS, but also the Bhim Army, Dalit Panthers, and Nagarik Manch were denied permission. “If multiple groups hold processions simultaneously, it could disrupt law and order,” he said.

Kharge also alleged that some RSS members abused and threatened him. “A few RSS workers called and threatened to kill me. If any organization wants to hold a march, it must first show that it has official permission. So far, no one from the Sangh has sought approval from local authorities,” he added.

The RSS had planned its march for October 19, from 3 PM to 6:30 PM, and had already installed saffron flags and banners across Chittapur. However, the municipality later removed them, citing a lack of authorization. Kharge questioned the organization’s sudden activity and asked it to submit official documents before proceeding.

Following the denial, the RSS filed a petition in the Kalaburagi Bench of the Karnataka High Court. During the hearing, Justice M.G.S. Kamal directed the group to submit a fresh application for November 2, providing full details of the proposed route, location, and timing. The district administration was asked to review the application and submit a report by October 24. The court clarified that no final decision had yet been made, with the next hearing also scheduled for October 24.

Meanwhile, in Sedam, RSS members went ahead with a centenary march despite police attempts to stop them. Around 1,500 participants joined the procession in small groups.

For the past several weeks, there have been demands to restrict or regulate RSS activities in Karnataka. The state government has since announced plans to draft rules to oversee such events.

Earlier, on October 18, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had urged people to be cautious of the RSS, saying the group had historically opposed Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the Constitution.

His son, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, had also sparked controversy on October 13 by comparing the RSS to the Taliban, claiming that the organization wanted to impose Hinduism in the same way the Taliban enforces its interpretation of Islam.

Previously, Priyank Kharge had written to the CM on October 4, demanding a ban on RSS activities in public and government spaces. Following these developments, CM Siddaramaiah said he had asked the Chief Secretary to study measures taken by Tamil Nadu to regulate RSS operations and explore whether similar steps could be implemented in Karnataka.