Priyank Kharge calls for RSS ban in public institutions

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to ban all activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in government institutions and public spaces across the state, citing concerns over divisive ideology and the impact on youth.

In a letter dated October 4, Kharge, son of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, claimed that RSS shakhas (local branches) were being held in government and aided schools, as well as public grounds, where “slogans are shouted, and divisive ideas are instilled in children and youth.” The Chief Minister’s Office shared the letter with the media, noting that officials have been asked to review it and take appropriate action.

Kharge argued that the RSS belief system runs counter to India’s ideals of unity and secularism. “When forces that spread hatred and division rise, our Constitution empowers citizens and the state to act and protect secular principles,” he said. He also raised concerns over aggressive displays by RSS participants wielding sticks without police permission, warning of possible psychological harm to children and young people.

The minister called for a comprehensive ban on RSS activities, whether under the names ‘shakha’ (local branch), ‘sanghik’ (group meeting), or ‘baithak’ (assembly), in government schools, aided schools, public playgrounds, parks, temples under the Muzrai Department, sites under the Archaeology Department, and other government premises. “The well-being of children, youth, and society must take precedence,” he added.

The letter coincides with the RSS’s centenary celebrations planned across Karnataka. Kharge clarified that private activities on personal property could continue, but public events involving marches with sticks and objectionable slogans should not be allowed.

Supporting the appeal, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s son and MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah said public events require government permission, which RSS programs have often bypassed. “No one questions or stops them, allowing them to continue unchecked,” he said, adding that these activities carry “poisonous ideology.”

The BJP, however, dismissed Kharge’s call as politically motivated. Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra said Congress lacks the authority to ban the RSS and accused Kharge of seeking personal political gains. On X, Vijayendra wrote that the chants of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ (Victory to Mother India) at RSS shakhas “unnerved those used to hearing ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ (Long Live Pakistan) slogans!” He also described the Congress government as ‘Wazir-e-Ala’ (Chief Minister in Urdu) and said it was wrongly targeting RSS activities, whose aim is the all-round development (‘Sarvangeena Unnati’) of India (Bharat).

Senior BJP MLA and former minister S Suresh Kumar added that attempts to restrict the RSS echo past unsuccessful efforts by leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.

The debate underscores continuing tensions in Karnataka over ideological organisations in public and government spaces, raising questions about balancing freedom of association with the protection of secular and constitutional values.