Karnataka Government Implements Historic Regulations on RSS Activities in Public Spaces and Government Facilities

The circular issued in February 2013 now released by the Chief Minister's office (File)

Bengaluru:

Karnataka, under Congress governance, announced on Thursday a landmark decision to implement regulations on RSS activities, including marches and events conducted in public spaces and government facilities. This potentially makes Karnataka the first state to introduce such controls.

This cabinet decision follows shortly after Information Technology and Biotechnology Minister Priyank Kharge's letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah requesting restrictions on RSS and its affiliated organizations.

In response to BJP criticism, the government has publicized a circular from February 2013, issued during BJP administration, which limited the use of school premises and playgrounds to educational purposes only.

The 2013 circular, released by the Chief Minister's office, was originally issued by then Commissioner for Public Instruction S R Umashankar during Jagadish Shettar's BJP government. This directive was initially created regarding permission for a private event at Fort High School in Chamarajpet.

Minister Kharge clarified after Thursday's cabinet meeting: "While we cannot control organizations, public activities now require government permission." He emphasized that the government will determine whether to authorize such activities.

Kharge highlighted that specific parameters would guide permission grants, stating, "Walking on roads with sticks or conducting Patha Sanchalana merely with notification to authorities will no longer be permitted." The upcoming rules will specifically address activities in "public spaces, government schools, colleges, government premises, government-owned institutions, and aided institutions."

He added that the new regulations would consolidate previous directives from the Home, Law, and Education departments to establish comprehensive rules within the constitutional framework, effective within days.

Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil explained that the cabinet had deliberated on private organizations' use of public spaces. The Home Department has been instructed to issue a Government Order regulating public property usage, including educational institutions, to prevent trespassing and establish proper usage guidelines for government facilities.

Patil confirmed that events would require official authorization under specific regulations. The decision followed "complaints" that had received media coverage, and aimed to address the lack of clarity in existing rules.

When questioned whether this decision specifically targeted RSS, Patil responded, "That may be your opinion. The government didn't focus on particular individuals. These rules will apply to those most frequently violating regulations." He emphasized that the objective was to ensure appropriate use of government properties and prevent unauthorized activities.

Patil explained that the decision reflected current circumstances, and a detailed government order would follow. When asked about its relationship to the Jagadish Shettar-led BJP government's order, Patil noted he hadn't reviewed that directive but confirmed the new order would be comprehensive and distinct.

Addressing whether these restrictions would apply to temples under the Religious Endowment Department, Patil affirmed that such premises are indeed public property.

Meanwhile, Kharge shared the 2013 circular on social media, questioning: "Is the BJP unaware of its own government's decision? Or doesn't this apply to the RSS?" The circular had stipulated that "school premises must be used only for activities concerning the syllabus, extra-curricular programmes, sports, physical education and exercise of school students," explicitly prohibiting non-educational events.

Kharge further criticized that "despite this circular, RSS is shamelessly treating schools as the property of Hedgewar's family to conduct its activities." Recently, Kharge, son of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, had urged Chief Minister Siddaramiah to prohibit RSS activities in government institutions and public spaces, arguing that such actions contradict national unity and constitutional principles.

In his October 4 letter to the chief minister, Kharge alleged that RSS conducts 'shakhas' in government and government-aided schools and public grounds where "slogans are shouted and negative ideas are instilled in the minds of children and youth."