The Yadgiri district administration in Karnataka has cleared a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) route march in Gurmitkal, the former constituency of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, but has attached strict conditions to the permission. The march is scheduled for October 31 and will move through several key localities, including Narendra Rathod Layout, Samrat Circle, Basaveshwara Circle, Hanuman Temple, and Kumbharawadi. Officials outlined ten restrictions designed to prevent communal tensions and ensure public safety. These include a ban on inflammatory slogans, restrictions on carrying sticks or weapons, and a requirement that no damage be caused to private or public property. The administration’s stance reflects an attempt to balance legal permissions with security considerations, given the sensitive political landscape in the region.
Simultaneously, the neighbouring Kalaburagi district is witnessing heightened friction over similar RSS marches. A peace meeting held in Chittapur, convened as per Karnataka High Court directions, failed to produce a consensus. The meeting brought together representatives of various organisations such as the RSS, Bhim Army, Bharatiya Dalit Panthers, and Hasiru Sene. Those opposing the RSS march demanded that the organisation carry the national flag and the Constitution's preamble instead of lathis and saffron flags. The RSS declined, insisting on adhering to its traditional format. Opposing groups warned that they would stage counter-rallies on the same day if the RSS did not accept the suggested changes, escalating the prospects of parallel demonstrations. The dispute originates from the earlier denial of permission for the RSS procession in Minister Priyank Kharge’s constituency due to law-and-order concerns, followed by a High Court directive to revisit the application and conduct peace talks. A formal report is expected to be submitted by October 30.
In a separate but related development, authorities in Bidar district have initiated disciplinary action against government school teachers who participated in an RSS march earlier in the month. The School Education Department issued notices to four teachers after videos and images of their involvement surfaced online. The Block Education Officer in Aurad sent the notices, asking the teachers to explain their participation in an activity outside official duty that may raise questions about neutrality in public service. The move highlights the administration's attempt to uphold service conduct rules and avoid political or ideological participation by government personnel in public programmes.
Together, these events point to a growing administrative challenge in Karnataka as tensions around ideological marches intersect with legal battles, political sensitivities, and public-sector discipline issues. The state machinery is navigating between constitutional freedoms, court directions, public-order considerations, and neutrality expectations from government employees. The upcoming marches and pending decisions will determine whether the situation stabilises or escalates.
