‘Shakha mein dandon ka pradarshan…’ Karnataka bans RSS activities in govt premises

RSS Activites ban in Karnataka: In the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)'s 100-year history, it has been banned three times—after Mahatma Gandhi's assassination, during the Emergency, and in 1992. Now, calls for a ban on the RSS have been raised once again. Interestingly, just days ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proudly released a special coin featuring the RSS workers, and now the Congress government in Karnataka has issued an order banning RSS activities on government premises.

Indeed, Priyank Kharge, son of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and a state minister, wrote a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah demanding that RSS shakhas not be held in government and government-aided schools, public grounds, and state government land. Following this, CM Siddaramaiah took action and issued the ban order.

Negative impact on the psychology of children and youth

According to the government order, RSS shakhas or related activities will not be held in government schools, public parks, or on government land. Minister Priyank Kharge also stated that the use of sticks (punishments) in shakhas demonstrates aggression, which negatively impacts the psychology of children and youth. Kharge wrote in his letter, "When forces that spread hatred rise in society, the principles of the Constitution unity, equality, and integrity give us the power to stop them. In the interest of the mental health of children, youth, and society, RSS activities should be banned on government premises."

History of Government Bans

Just a year ago, the central government lifted the ban on government employees from participating in RSS events. The Home Ministry amended earlier orders from 1966, 1970, and 1980 to lift the ban. Employees were barred from attending RSS shakhas during the Congress regime.

BJP's Counterattack

The BJP has reacted sharply to Priyank Kharge's letter. Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra said, "Who is Priyank Kharge to write such a letter? He should understand the contribution of the RSS. During the Congress government, the RSS's role was praised during the India-China war, and it was even invited to the Republic Day parade."

Vijayendra said that as a responsible minister, Priyank Kharge should focus on the development of his constituency, Gulbarga, instead of making statements against the RSS. He taunted that the RSS is celebrating its centenary, and Priyank is making statements just to grab media headlines.