'BJP unaware of its own govt's decision': Karnataka counters BJP with circular issued in 2013 amid RSS ban row

The February 2013 circular restricted the use of school premises and attached playgrounds for educational purposes only. It was issued when Jagadish Shettar was the Chief Minister

Bengaluru: The Congress government on Thursday released a 2013 circular, issued when the BJP was in power, restricting the use of school premises and attached playgrounds for educational purposes only.

The February 2013 circular was issued by then Commissioner for Public Instruction S R Umashankar. BJP’s Jagadish Shettar was the Chief Minister at the time.

The circular was issued when permission was sought to organise a private event on the premises of the Fort High School at Chamarajpet.

“School premises must be used only for activities concerning the syllabus, extra-curricular programmes, sports, physical education and exercise. Therefore, it is hereby directed that permission should not be given to hold non-educational events on school premises and playgrounds,” the circular stated.

The 2013 circular was released by the Chief Minister’s Office to counter the Opposition BJP’s protests against the Congress government’s plan to prohibit RSS activities in public places.

“Is the BJP unaware of its own government’s decision? Or, doesn’t this apply to the RSS?” IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge asked.

Kharge has sought a ban on RSS activities in public places, including parks and playgrounds. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh to examine his demand.

“Even as the circular remains in force, the RSS is shamelessly treating schools as the property of Hedgewar’s (RSS founder) family to conduct its activities,” Kharge charged.