A fresh political clash has unfolded in Karnataka’s Chittapur after district authorities denied permission for both the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bhim Army to hold route marches, citing possible law and order issues. The decision, taken in Minister Priyank Kharge’s home constituency, has triggered sharp criticism from the BJP, which accused the Congress government of targeting the RSS and undermining its century-long legacy of public service.
In an official statement, Chittapur Tahsildar Nagayya Hiremath announced the rejection of both applications, stating that simultaneous marches by the RSS and Bhim Army on the same route and day could potentially disrupt communal harmony. “To maintain peace and prevent any untoward incidents, permission for the RSS route march scheduled on October 19 is hereby denied,” the order read. Police intelligence inputs reportedly warned of a “high possibility of clashes” if the marches by the RSS, Bhim Army, and Indian Dalit Panthers were allowed to take place together.
The administrative order also cited recent tensions linked to an alleged incident involving RSS worker Danesh Naron, who reportedly issued threats to local MLA and Minister Priyank Kharge. The episode had sparked statewide protests, including in Chittapur, prompting security agencies to remain on high alert. Following this, local authorities intensified restrictions, including the removal of banners and posters put up by RSS members without prior permission along public roads.
Reacting strongly to the ban, the BJP accused the Congress-led government of deliberate political obstruction. In a post on X, the Karnataka BJP unit stated, “A century of RSS service cannot be shaken by a few voices. The movement of nationalism and service continues unbroken.” Senior BJP leader and MP Jagadish Shettar further alleged that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was using administrative powers to suppress the RSS. “The RSS was banned several times in history, but always reinstated by the Centre. The power to ban such organisations lies with the Union government, not the state,” Shettar said. He challenged Siddaramaiah to “show courage” by facing the RSS publicly rather than curbing its activities administratively.
In response to petitions filed by both the RSS and Bhim Army, the Karnataka High Court intervened, instructing the state government to reconsider the matter. The court directed the organisations to resubmit applications to their respective Deputy Commissioners and mandated that separate time slots be allotted to prevent clashes. The next hearing is scheduled for October 24.
Amid this growing dispute, the Karnataka government issued a new directive making prior approval mandatory for all private organisations seeking to use government-owned spaces for events or marches. The order, passed following a Cabinet meeting, came after Minister Priyank Kharge urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to restrict RSS activities on public property, citing risks to public order.
The developments have further deepened political fault lines in Karnataka, with the Congress government emphasizing security and law enforcement priorities, while the BJP frames the restrictions as an assault on democratic and cultural freedoms.
