Karnataka to regulate activities of private entities, such as RSS, in public spaces

The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday decided to issue an order for regulating activities of private and non-government organisations, such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), on public properties, including government and government-aided schools and colleges, public grounds, government-regulated temples, sites under the Archaeology Department, parks and any other government sites.

This decision comes days after Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge wrote to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking a ban on RSS activities in public places, including school premises, parks, and playgrounds.

The BJP lashed out at the decision, calling it part of a sustained, long-term campaign against the RSS. Party State president B.Y. Vijayendra called the decision an effort by the Congress government to obfuscate its own failures.

No tresspassing

Briefing reporters about Cabinet decisions on Thursday, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H. K. Patil said, “Public properties should not be trespassed. There are some laws in the State passed to protect public properties, but they are inadequate. The Government Order will give clarity on how the authorities should move and how they should go about granting permission. The order will be issued shortly.”

Mr. Patil said the GO would elaborate on the mode for granting permission to private organisations to conduct activities as per the law. The Home Department would issue the order soon.

Managing properties

Asked whether the government was particularly targeting the RSS, Mr Patil said, “In view of the present situation, we have taken a decision. The government’s intention is proper management and regulation of public properties.”

The government decision comes a few days after RSS celebrated its centenary across the country, including events and 100 route marches in Bengaluru.

On October 4, Mr. Kharge had written to Mr. Siddaramaiah seeking imposition of a ban on all RSS activities in government institutions and on public premises across Karnataka, stating that such actions were contrary to India’s unity and the spirit of the Constitution.

Seeking strong government intervention, Mr. Kharge said, “In the interest of the well-being of the country’s children, youth, the public, and society as a whole, I earnestly request that a ban be imposed on all types of activities conducted by the RSS, whether under the name of shakha, sanghik, or baithak on the premises of government properties.”