Karnataka High Court Allows RSS March in Chittapur: BJP Celebrates Victory Over Congress Government

The BJP hailed the Karnataka High Court's order to allow RSS to hold the march on November 2.

Bengaluru:

In a setback to the Congress-led government in Karnataka, the High Court on Sunday allowed the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to hold its route march in Chittapur on November 2.

The court was hearing a petition filed by Ashok Patil, convenor of RSS Kalaburagi, who challenged the authorities' inaction on granting permission to hold the march in Chittapur on Sunday.

While hearing the matter, Justice MGS Kamal questioned the state government on how it planned to accommodate and proceed further, while observing that everyone's sentiments must be respected.

The court also noted that authorities in Chittapur denied permission, citing possible law and order issues, as organizations including the Bhim Army and Bharatiya Dalit Panther had also planned rallies at the same time and place. These organizations were similarly denied permission for their rallies.

Patil's counsel argued that all queries raised by officials had been duly addressed and highlighted that similar processions had been peacefully conducted elsewhere in Karnataka.

During proceedings, the petitioner agreed to reschedule the event to November 2. The High Court directed Patil to submit a fresh application with all necessary details to the Deputy Commissioner of Kalaburagi and instructed authorities to consider it and file a report before the next hearing on October 24.

Earlier, police reports emphasized that simultaneous rallies in Chittapur on Sunday by the RSS, Bhim Army, and Bharatiya Dalit Panther could potentially lead to clashes and disrupt public peace.

The report also mentioned that tensions in Chittapur had already been heightened by a recent incident where an RSS activist allegedly verbally abused and issued a death threat to Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, who represents the constituency.

Additionally, the installation of saffron flags and banners as preparation for the RSS event had sparked tensions in the town. Authorities conducted a clearance operation on Friday, citing lack of official permission for these installations.

The state government on Saturday issued an order making "prior permission" mandatory for any private organization, association or group intending to use government property or premises.

Responding to criticism that the government was specifically targeting the RSS with this order, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified, "What we have done is that all organizations must obtain permission. That rule was framed during the tenure of the BJP government led by Jagadish Shettar. We have just repeated it. When the rule was brought during the BJP government, why didn't they do anything? Why did they not oppose?"

When questioned about targeting the RSS, he stated, "We are not targeting RSS. The rule applies to all private organizations. BJP is always indulging in politics; they don't know anything. They won't take up the works for the poor and carry out politics."

Karnataka BJP President Vijayendra Yediyurappa welcomed the High Court's decision, stating that the court had upheld the Constitution.

"Those who attempted to ban the RSS sanchalan in Chitapur have faced humiliation. Today's court verdict sends a clear message that there is no room for authoritarian rule in a democratic system and has taught a fitting lesson to those who loudly proclaim their commitment to the Constitution in broad daylight," Yediyurappa said.

Earlier, he had criticized the Congress by comparing the denial to hold the RSS event to the authoritarian regime of North Korea's dictator, Kim Jong Un.

In a post on X translated from Kannada, Yediyurappa stated, "It seems that Minister Priyank Kharge holds deep admiration for the dark history of the Congress Party, which once imposed Emergency on the country. This is perhaps why he is attempting to recreate an Emergency-like administration in Kalaburagi district, using Chittapur as a testing ground."

"In blatant mockery of Dr BR Ambedkar's vision of the Constitution and democratic governance, a suffocating environment has been created in Chittapur. If the conditions imposed for granting permission to RSS' route march and program were to be applied across the state, it would become impossible to conduct any cultural or patriotic event anywhere in Karnataka," he added.