Karnataka Official Suspended for RSS Participation: Political Controversy Erupts Between Congress and BJP

Bengaluru:

A panchayat officer in Karnataka has been suspended for participating in an event organized by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent of BJP. This action comes shortly after the state Congress government implemented regulations limiting RSS activities in public areas. The state BJP has strongly condemned this suspension, labeling it as evidence of Congress's "perverse and anti-Hindu mindset."

Praveen Kumar KP, who served as a Panchayat Development Officer in Sirwar taluk of Raichur district, received his suspension from the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) Department on Friday. His participation in an RSS centenary celebration led to this disciplinary action.

The officer had taken part in an RSS route march in Lingsugur on October 12, wearing the organization's uniform and carrying a stick.

IAS officer Arundhati Chandrashekar issued the suspension order, stating that Kumar's actions violated civil service conduct rules that require political neutrality and discipline. A departmental investigation has been initiated, and the officer will remain suspended with subsistence allowance until further notice.

According to the order, the officer breached Rule 3 of the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021, which requires government employees to maintain political neutrality, integrity, and conduct appropriate to their position. The order added that his behavior did not meet the standards expected of a public servant.

BJP Karnataka chief Vijayendra Yediyurappa has criticized the Congress, describing the suspension as an "assault on patriotic sentiments" through misuse of governmental authority.

"This represents nothing more than the perverse and anti-Hindu mindset of Karnataka's Congress party, motivated by malice. Your misuse of government machinery has begun; we understand the strategy to correct this situation. This suspension must be immediately revoked with an apology, or an appropriate response will be delivered through constitutional means within the democratic framework to counter such divisive politics," he stated.

The Congress and BJP have been engaged in conflict in Karnataka since the state government mandated that all organizations obtain advance permission for events in public spaces. This requirement followed state minister Priyank Kharge's call to prohibit RSS activities in these areas.

In direct response to Kharge, the RSS decided to organize a march in the minister's Chittapur constituency on October 19. While a request for this march remains pending with police authorities, local officials have begun restricting preparations by removing saffron flags and banners installed for the event.

Addressing this challenge, Kharge has warned of legal consequences for rule violations.

"I invite BJP leaders' children to come in uniform to my constituency. I will welcome them. They are free to conduct a foot march. Nobody is opposing them. However, there are regulations that must be followed. I request that BJP leaders' children come wearing RSS uniforms and participate in the march," he said in Bengaluru.