Karnataka : ‘RSS should not be allowed to hold programmes at government venues – Priyank Kharge

“Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has written to the Chief Minister demanding a ban on RSS programs at government venues. He alleges that RSS activities are instilling negative thoughts in the minds of children and youth. He says these programs are against the unity and secularism of the country, and therefore strict action should be taken against them”

NEW DELHI 12/10/2025 REPORT SANTOSH SETH 

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has written a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging that Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) programs should not be allowed on the grounds of government schools and colleges. He also appealed that RSS programs should not be allowed in public parks and Muzrai (religious trust-run) temples.

In the letter, dated October 4, Priyank Kharge alleged that the RSS is running its shakhas in government and government-aided schools as well as public parks, where slogans are raised and negative thoughts are instilled in the minds of children and youth. The Chief Minister’s Office shared the letter with the media on Sunday.

Priyank, son of Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, said that the RSS’s ideology is against India’s unity and secular values. The minister wrote, “When divisive forces that spread hatred rise in society, our Constitution, which is based on the principles of honesty, equality, and unity, gives us the right to stop such forces and protect the secular values ​​of the country.”

He further alleged that aggressive demonstrations with sticks are being carried out without permission, which have a negative impact on children and youth.

Demanding strict action from the government, he said, “In the interest of the children, youth, the public, and the entire society, I humbly request that all programs organized by the RSS, whether in the name of shakhas or meetings, be banned.”

He also stated that this ban should apply to government schools, government-aided schools, public playgrounds, parks, Muzrai Department temples, sites maintained by the Archaeological Department, and all other government premises.

He emphasized that the Constitution empowers both citizens and the state to take action against forces that spread division in society and to protect the country’s secular and democratic values.