The Karnataka government’s latest order, which requires prior permission for any private organisation, association, or group to use government property or premises, has sparked political debate. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday defended the move, clarifying that it was not a new policy but rather an enforcement of earlier regulations introduced by the previous BJP-led government. He emphasised that the current administration was merely continuing the existing framework rather than implementing fresh restrictions.
Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar said, “We have not mentioned any organisation specifically. These are not new rules. Such directives were made earlier when Jagadish Shettar was the chief minister under the BJP government. We have simply redefined and re-implemented them as per the existing guidelines.” His remarks came amid growing speculation that the new directive was politically motivated and aimed at curbing Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities in the state.
While the order issued on Saturday does not directly name the RSS, its timing and scope have led to assumptions that it could limit the organisation’s regular drills, route marches, and gatherings in public or government-aided spaces. Officials clarified that the order only enforces existing regulations regarding the use of state-owned properties and that permissions would be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure compliance with public safety and neutrality norms.
The decision stems from a Cabinet meeting held on Thursday, which was triggered by a letter from Panchayat Raj and IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. In his letter, Kharge urged the government to prohibit RSS activities in public spaces, citing concerns over their impact on social harmony. He argued that government premises and aided institutions should remain politically neutral and free from ideological influence.
Kharge’s letter, dated October 4, alleged that the RSS had been conducting its “shakhas” or daily training sessions in several government and government-aided schools, as well as in public grounds. He further claimed that during these gatherings, “slogans are shouted and negative ideas are instilled in the minds of children and youth.” His appeal sought immediate action to ensure that such activities were no longer permitted on state-owned property.
Following the letter, the Cabinet reviewed existing permissions and found inconsistencies in how government premises were being used across different districts. The new order was thus seen as a clarification and tightening of earlier rules rather than a fresh directive. It reiterates that no private body, regardless of political or ideological affiliation, can use public spaces without explicit government approval.
Political observers note that the move comes at a sensitive time, as tensions between the Congress government and right-wing organisations have been rising over ideological issues in educational institutions and public programs. BJP leaders, meanwhile, have accused the Siddaramaiah-led government of political vendetta, calling the order an indirect attempt to restrict the RSS’s cultural outreach.
Despite the criticism, the Karnataka government maintains that the decision is administrative, not political. Shivakumar reiterated that the state’s intent is only to ensure proper regulation and accountability in the use of public assets, stressing that “the order applies to everyone equally.” The issue, however, continues to draw attention as both political camps seek to interpret its implications in the run-up to the upcoming local body elections.
