CM Siddaramaiah slams RSS, sparks statewide row

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s sharp criticism of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has ignited a political storm in the state, triggering strong reactions from both the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP.

Speaking at the Silver Jubilee celebration of Mysore University and the inauguration of the new Knowledge Vision Building, Siddaramaiah alleged that the RSS and its affiliates have historically opposed Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the Indian Constitution. In a post on X, he wrote, “The Sangh Parivar and RSS members opposed Ambedkar’s Constitution in the past and continue to oppose it even now. Therefore, one must remain cautious about them.”

He urged students to “keep the company of those who stand for social change” and avoid aligning with “Sanatanis who oppose equality.” Siddaramaiah further accused the BJP and the Sangh Parivar of spreading misinformation about Ambedkar, saying that contrary to their claims, Ambedkar himself had written that “it was Savarkar and Dange who defeated him in elections.”

Citing a recent incident in which a shoe was thrown at Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, Siddaramaiah said it reflected “the persistence of Sanatanis and elites who oppose social reform.” Reaffirming his ideological stand, the Chief Minister declared his faith in the teachings of Buddha, Basava, and Ambedkar.

The remarks came amid a demand from state minister Priyank Kharge to ban RSS activities in government schools, colleges, and state-owned temples. Kharge alleged that the organization was “indoctrinating youth with unconstitutional ideologies” and revealed that he had received threats following his statements. Siddaramaiah said his government was “examining measures to regulate RSS activities” and would ensure that “no one disturbs public peace in the name of any organization.”

Senior Congress leader V. Hanumantha Rao backed Siddaramaiah’s stance, claiming the RSS had “always worked against Ambedkar’s ideals and the unity of the country.” He added, “While the RSS divides the nation, Rahul Gandhi strives to unite it. Every citizen should oppose divisive politics.”

The BJP, meanwhile, accused the Chief Minister of deflecting attention from his government’s alleged failures. Former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar said, “Only to divert attention from rampant corruption and poor law and order, Siddaramaiah is making baseless statements against the RSS.”

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, however, refrained from commenting on the controversy, saying, “You can ask me anything on my side, but I do not want to comment on that.”

As the debate intensifies, the Siddaramaiah government is reportedly considering adopting a regulatory framework similar to the “Tamil Nadu Model.” In Tamil Nadu, the state government has not imposed an outright ban on RSS activities but enforces strict rules restricting unauthorized gatherings in schools and public institutions.

Between July and September 2024, the Tamil Nadu Education Department issued circulars to prevent political or ideological events on school premises. In one notable case, police arrested 39 RSS members after an unauthorized event was held at a Chennai government school.

With Siddaramaiah’s remarks and Kharge’s call for restrictions, the ideological clash between the Congress and the RSS has once again come to the fore, underscoring deep political and social divisions in Karnataka.