Kalaburagi, Karnataka – Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has recently questioned the "audacity" of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) regarding their planned march in his constituency, Chittapur. The march, initially scheduled for October 19th, was denied permission by local authorities, citing potential law and order issues. The RSS then sought legal recourse, and the High Court directed them to submit a fresh application for a march on November 2nd.
Kharge has found himself at the center of a contentious situation, as several other organizations, including Dalit groups like the Bhim Army and Dalit Panthers, and community organizations like the Kuruba community, have also applied to hold marches on the same date. The Karnataka State Farmers' Association and the State Christian Welfare Society have also applied for processions and peace walks respectively.
The Minister's criticism extends beyond the march itself, as he has raised questions about the RSS's registration status and funding sources. Kharge claimed that the RSS is unregistered to avoid legal compliance, such as paying taxes and disclosing funding information. He argued that being unregistered allows them to avoid scrutiny under various acts and regulations related to companies, societies, and NGOs.
Kharge has also responded to allegations that he is unfairly targeting government employees with RSS links, denying such claims. He pointed out the Union government's allowance of its employees participating in RSS activities.
The denial of the initial RSS march sparked a political back-and-forth between the ruling Congress party and the BJP. The BJP has criticized the government's actions, while hailing the High Court's initial direction to allow the march on November 2nd, accusing the Congress government of stifling democratic rights. However, Kharge has countered these claims, stating that the BJP is misinterpreting the court's direction and that the RSS event has not been permitted, but rather directed to submit a fresh application.
The situation in Chittapur remains tense, with concerns about potential clashes if multiple marches are allowed to proceed simultaneously. A police report highlighted the risk of conflict, given the planned marches by the RSS, Bhim Army, and Bharatiya Dalit Panther. The report also noted heightened tensions due to a recent incident involving an RSS activist allegedly threatening Minister Kharge.
The High Court's Kalaburagi Bench is scheduled to hear the petitions from the RSS and other organizations seeking permission for their respective events on November 2nd. The Deputy Commissioner of Kalaburagi, Fouzia Taranum, has sought the opinion of the police department regarding these requests. The state government has issued an order making prior permission mandatory for any activities by private organizations involving public places.
Kharge has stated that the law applies equally to all groups and that permission should be granted based on a calm atmosphere, with all organizations providing details of participants and routes. He insisted he would not influence the authorities' decision on allowing the RSS route march.
