BJP challenges Karnataka govt to ban RSS activities in state

Bengaluru, Aug 14 (IANS) A day after the Cabinet approved the Karnataka Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Public Property Bill, 2026, aimed at regulating the use of government premises and public property by private individuals, organisations, associations, societies and other entities, BJP State President and MLA, B.Y. Vijayendra on Friday accused the state government of attempting to curb the activities of the RSS. He challenged Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Home Minister Priyank Kharge to ban the organisation if they had the courage to do so.

Reacting to claims that the government was considering measures such as making prior permission mandatory for public meetings to restrict RSS activities, Vijayendra alleged the intention behind the government’s moves was clear even though the Chief Minister and Home Minister had not directly named the organisation.

“Earlier, the Chief Minister had referred to the RSS prayer in the Assembly, and his stand has now become clear,” Vijayendra said.

He challenged the Chief Minister to “try banning the RSS if he has the courage” and demanded that the government clarify what anti-national activities the organisation had undertaken.

Vijayendra also criticised Home Minister Priyank Kharge for repeatedly targeting the RSS instead of focussing on his responsibilities as Home Minister.

“If the Home Minister is so interested in the RSS, he should resign from the Home Minister’s post and take charge of a department dedicated to opposing the RSS,” Vijayendra said sarcastically.

Vijayendra defended the RSS, describing it as an organisation that has completed a century and has worked to promote patriotism, nationalism and a spirit of service.

He urged the government to reconsider its position and said it should learn from history.

Vijayendra pointed out that the RSS had been banned during the tenures of late Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, but had subsequently grown stronger.

“The government should learn from history and act accordingly,” he said.

Vijayendra said it was the responsibility of the Home Minister to take stringent action against those involved in activities that threaten national security.

Instead, he alleged, the government was giving greater priority to discussions surrounding the RSS while ignoring pressing issues in the state, the problems faced by the poor and difficulties confronting the common people.

He accused the government of raising “unnecessary issues” and indulging in politics instead of addressing the state’s major concerns.

Vijayendra also criticised Housing Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan over his decision to seek exemption from the responsibility of hoisting the Tricolour in Vijayanagara district on Independence Day.

He said Zameer should not have backed out of the responsibility of travelling to the district and hoisting the national flag on August 15.

Vijayendra said it was inappropriate for Zameer to write to the Chief Minister seeking exemption from the post of District In-charge Minister citing party organisational work and the need to prepare for Assembly bypolls.

Vijayendra said hoisting the national flag during Independence Day celebrations was a duty of ministers, legislators and other elected representatives and could not be treated as a matter of personal choice.

“One cannot step away from government responsibilities citing party organisation or Assembly bypolls,” he said, adding that public representatives should not have an attitude of wanting the benefits of office without accepting its responsibilities.

Vijayendra said Zameer’s letter seeking exemption from the District In-charge Minister’s responsibility amounted to showing disrespect to the post as well as the national Tricolour.

–IANS

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