The 31 October march will begin from Narendra Rathod Layout in Gurmitkal town and pass through Samrat Circle, Basaveshwara Circle, Hanuman Temple, and Kumbarwadi among other places.
Published Oct 30, 2025 | 3:15 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 30, 2025 | 3:38 PM
File photo. (RSS official website)
Synopsis: While the district administration gave the permission, they laid down ten conditions for the march, including ensuring that no damage is caused to public or private property, that only the designated route is used for the procession, that no slogans hurting caste or religious sentiments are raised, and that no weapons are carried.
The Yadgir district administration, on Thursday, 30 October, has given permission to the RSS to carry out a march on Friday, 31 October, in Gurmitkal town, the home turf of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.
The Congress leader was elected as MLA from the Gurmitkal constituency eight times.
The 31 October march will begin from Narendra Rathod Layout in Gurmitkal town and pass through Samrat Circle, Basaveshwara Circle, Hanuman Temple, and Kumbarwadi among other places.
This comes amid the rising tensions between the ruling Congress and RSS, following IT Minister Priyank Kharge writing to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, seeking a comprehensive ban on RSS “shakhas”, “sanghiks” (gatherings), and “baithaks” (meetings) across government premises.
However, the district commissioner has laid down ten conditions for the march, including ensuring that no damage is caused to public or private property, that only the designated route is used for the procession, that no slogans hurting caste or religious sentiments are raised, and that no weapons are carried.
The organisers must also ensure that the public is not inconvenienced and that no shops or commercial establishments are forcibly closed during the procession.
Following the minister’s letter, the government issued a GO on 18 October, making prior permission mandatory for any private organisations, associations or a group of persons to use government property or premises for their activities. While the order didn’t mention any particular organisation, it was seen as an effort by the ruling Congress to rein in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
The opposition BJP argued that the GO was issued to curb activities of RSS in the state.
However, Karnataka High Court on Tuesday, 28 October, ordered a stay on the GO.
A single-judge bench of Justice M. Nagaprasanna on Tuesday heard an application submitted by the Hubballi Punashchetana Service Organisation, challenging the GO. Senior Advocate Ashok Haranahalli, appearing on behalf of the petitioner argued that it is a violation of fundamental rights. “Even holding a laughter club in the park would be considered an illegal gathering as per the government’s order,” he said, according to Kannada Bar and Bench.
Issuing a stay on the GO, the court said, “The government has taken away the right granted under Article 19 (1) a,b of the Constitution. The right granted by the Constitution cannot be taken away by a government order. Therefore, the court orders that the government order has been stayed.”
The matter has been posted for further hearing on 17 November.
Priyank Kharge earlier accused the RSS of “brainwashing young minds” by instilling “negative thoughts” and shouting divisive slogans in the presence of children and youth, claiming the organisation’s ideology is “contrary to India’s ideals of unity and secular framework.”
Kharge added that such activities undermine the Constitution’s principles of equality and secularism, warning that they sow hatred among vulnerable groups.
“The brainwashing happening in schools and public spaces must stop,” he said, citing recent violence in Mangaluru and Malnad regions allegedly linked to RSS-inspired clashes.
Meanwhile, regarding the march to be held in Chittapur, which was denied permission, Karnataka government on Thursday informed the High Court that the convenor of RSS Kalaburagi Ashok Patil had not appeared for the peace meeting that was held on 28 October as per directions of the court.
Hence, the court directed the parties in the case to hold another meeting on 5 November. The matter has now been listed for 7 November, according to LiveLaw.
The court was hearing a petition by Patil seeking permission to peacefully hold an RSS march in Chittapur Town on 2 November.
Advocate General Shashikiran Shetty, representing the state, told the court that the petitioner, Patil, had not appeared for the peace meeting. He informed that a notice was served on the petitioner to appear for the meeting, but he still did not.
Senior Advocate Arun Shyam appearing for the petitioner told the court that “responsible members” from the organisation were present and attended the peace meeting. “There was a death in the house of the petitioner. “So he requested others to attend the meeting,” Shyam said. Taking note of this, the court observed, “There was a purpose for which we had requested the petitioner to attend the meeting. Those on the ground/crease will know how to play, not for those outside who give comment.”
Responding, the counsel for the petitioner said that a “responsible person” from the organisation appeared and that the meeting went well. He also said that details of how many people are going to attend the procession were given during the meeting. However, he further submitted that the petitioner is willing to participate in the meeting if another opportunity is given. The AG then submitted that he would facilitate another meeting.
The Karnataka High Court on 24 October had directed the state to hold the peace meeting, amid plans for multiple rallies on the day by groups including the RSS, Bhim Army, Gonda-Kuruba ST Horata Samiti, and farmer groups such as Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Anisha Reddy)
