Credit: DH photo
Bengaluru: Home Minister G Parameshwara said on Monday that the Home Department cannot initiate suo motu action against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), but assured that it would look into the issue if there is a complaint.
Speaking to reporters, Parameshwara said: “Whenever they (RSS) seek permission, the local police will provide permission, looking at the law and order situation. If the government decides not to permit and impose a ban, they will do it.”
When asked about concerns that RSS Pracharaks should not be allowed to move around with Lathis, the home minister said: “If they forward it to our department and seek our opinion, we will tell all this.”
Parameshwara refuted claims by the BJP that he had participated in an ABVP event.
“I have not participated. Who said so? When there was a procession, was it wrong if I folded my hands? I saluted freedom fighter Rani Abbakka. Is that wrong?? If they say that’s wrong, I don’t know what to say. Let them say whatever they want, I have clarified that itself, will clarify today too,” he said.
‘BJP toy of RSS’
Meanwhile, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge doubled down on his letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, where he sought a ban on RSS activities on government premises.
“How can an organisation that had opposed the Constitution and claimed that they need Manu Smruthi be patriots? How can an organisation that cannot register as an NGO be patriotic? Why does Mohan Bhagawat (RSS Sarsanghchalak) need so much security equivalent to the home minister and the ministry of external affairs?” he asked.
Slamming the BJP, Priyank said, “The BJP is a toy of the RSS. The BJP is nothing without the RSS, and the RSS is zero without religion. I am not opposed to Hinduism, but I oppose RSS. There’s no equality in that ideology, and it doesn’t permit the Constitution. Without the Constitution, we aren’t there.”