Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge
Credit: PTI Photo
Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has assured “necessary action” after Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) Minister Priyank Kharge wrote him a letter seeking a ban on all RSS activities on government premises.
In the letter dated October 4, Priyank wrote: “An organisation named the RSS has been using government and aided schools and public government grounds for shakas, and, through sloganeering, has been developing thoughts in the minds of children and youths against the integrity of the country and the intentions of the Constitution.”
While the CM said he would look into the matter and immediately take “necessary action”, the Opposition BJP flayed Priyank for the “irresponsible” move.
Their (RSS’) aggressive demonstrations by holding lathis are having a deleterious impact on the minds of innocent children and youths, Priyank wrote in the letter.
“From the point of view of children, youths, public and social harmony, I request you to ban all activities of the RSS in the name of Sanghik or Baithak in government and aided schools, fields, parks, temples belonging to the Muzrai Department, places of archaeological department and other government places,” the minister added.
The letter was shared by the chief minister’s office
on Sunday, when the RSS conducted patha sanchalans (route marches) across the city.
Some city-based activists termed the lathi-wielding route marches as illegal, pointing out that lathi was a weapon and that article
19 (1) (b) of the Constitution allows only peaceful demonstrations.
BYV attacks Priyank
Meanwhile, BJP state president BY Vijayendra slammed Priyank for the letter.
“Only people not knowing the background and activities of the RSS and who speak for publicity can talk like this. If a person in a responsible position like Priyank Kharge has written such an irresponsible letter, it’s a display of his foolishness. Not now, the Congress had banned the RSS two-three times in the past. But instances of the same Congress withdrawing those bans are in front of the nation.”
Vijayendra also claimed that the Congress government had allowed the RSS to participate in the Republic Day parade during the Sino-Indian war.
“Speaking of banning the RSS again is not something that they can do. He may be eyeing the chief minister’s spot, and it seems like he has written such a letter to appease the Gandhi family.”