Kharge said despite rules government officials and employees are participating in the programmes and activities organised by the RSS and other organisations.
Published Oct 16, 2025 | 2:14 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 16, 2025 | 2:14 PM
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge. (X/priyankkharge)
Synopsis: Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge doubled down on his fight against the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh by reminding the chief minister that service rules bar government staff from participating in events by such organisations. Kharge said government officials and employees are participating in the programmes and activities organised by the RSS and other organisations.
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge doubled down on his fight against the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) by reminding the chief minister that service rules bar government staff from participating in events by such organisations.
Kharge had recently called for a statewide ban on RSS activities in government institutions and public premises, which led to a cyber attack against him, including death threats.
He had urged the state government to impose a comprehensive ban on RSS “shakhas”, “sanghiks” (gatherings), and “baithaks” (meetings) across government premises, including schools, aided institutions, public parks, playgrounds, Muzrai Department temples, and archaeological sites, accusing it of “brainwashing young minds” by instilling “negative thoughts” and shouting divisive slogans.
He claimed the organisation’s ideology is “contrary to India’s ideals of unity and secular framework.”
In a letter dated 13 October, days after his initial letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Kharge reiterated Rule 5(1) of the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021 that prohibits government servants from being a member of, or otherwise be associated with, any political party or any organisation involved in politics or participate in or contribute to any political movement or activity.
“Despite the clear directive that ‘No government servant shall be a member of, or otherwise be associated with, any political party or any organisation involved in politics, or participate in, contribute to, or assist in any political movement or activity’, it has been observed that in recent times, government officials and employees are participating in programs and activities organised by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and other organisations,” Kharge said in his letter.
Despite these rules, Kharge stated in the letter, government officials and employees are participating in the programmes and activities organised by the RSS and other organisations.
“Therefore, it has been requested to issue a circular strictly prohibiting state government officials and employees from participating in programs and activities organised by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and other organisations and to issue disciplinary action against those violating this, and to issue appropriate directions to the employees concerned,” he added.
Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah has directed the chief secretary to examine the Tamil Nadu model of restricting RSS activities on government properties.
“I have instructed officials to gather details about how the restrictions on the RSS have been implemented in Tamil Nadu. The Chief Secretary has been directed to obtain that information, and we will review it once the report is received,” Siddaramaiah had said.
On Wednesday, Siddaramaiah also assured Kharge that he would be provided security amid alleged threats from RSS.
Speaking to the media at Mysuru airport, he said, “Priyank Kharge said that RSS activities should not be conducted in government premises and that Karnataka too should consider restrictions like Tamil Nadu. What’s wrong with that? We will not be intimidated by such threats.”
Siddaramaiah further said that Priyank Kharge had personally informed him about receiving threat calls.
“Evil forces always indulge in such acts. Priyank is not afraid of threats, and neither am I,” he declared.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Anisha Reddy and Nolan Patrick Pinto.)
