Bengaluru: A political storm has erupted in Karnataka after Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge wrote to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah demanding a ban on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities, including shakhas, processions, and meetings in government places. Strongly countering the move, BJP’s expelled MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal has called the minister’s statement “intellectually bankrupt” and “politically motivated,” accusing the Congress of targeting patriotic and service-oriented organisations.
Posting a sharp response on X, Yatnal said Kharge’s proposal to ban the world’s largest volunteer organization exposes his “intellectual poverty and political frustration.” He praised the RSS as an institution synonymous with selfless service, discipline, and nationalism. “Whenever the nation faces natural calamities, train accidents, floods, earthquakes, or pandemics, it is RSS volunteers who reach the spot first to rescue and serve people,” Yatnal said.
He added that the RSS stands as a “symbol of social service and national unity,” asserting that no government in history has succeeded in banning the organization. “The RSS is loved and respected even by its opponents. Instead of making politically motivated statements, Priyank Kharge should focus on developing Kalaburagi, which continues to remain one of the most backward districts despite decades of representation by his family,” Yatnal remarked.
ಸರ್ಕಾರಿ ಸ್ಥಳಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆಸುವ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಸ್ವಯಂ ಸೇವಕ ಸಂಘದ ಶಾಖೆಗಳನ್ನು, ಪಥಸಂಚಲನ, ಬೈಠಕ್ ಗಳನ್ನು ನಿಷೇಧಿಸಬೇಕೆಂದು ಸಚಿವರಾದ ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ ಅವರು ಮುಖ್ಯ ಮಂತ್ರಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಬರೆದಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಜಗತ್ತಿನ ಅತ್ಯಂತ ದೊಡ್ಡ ಸ್ವಯಂಸೇವಕರ ಪಡೆ ಹೊಂದಿರುವ ಆರ್.ಎಸ್.ಎಸ್. ನ ನಿಷೇಧಕ್ಕೆ ಕರೆ ಕೊಟ್ಟಿರುವುದು ಇವರ ಬೌದ್ಧಿಕ ದಾರಿದ್ರ್ಯತನ… pic.twitter.com/aT0wp6z4KS
— Basanagouda R Patil (Yatnal) (@BasanagoudaBJP) October 12, 2025
The former BJP MLA launched a fierce counterattack, suggesting that if the government truly intends to ban organizations, it should begin with those “spreading hatred and anti-national ideology.” “Ban the SDPI immediately. Arrest hooligans who roam the streets wielding swords during communal festivals. Ban animal sacrifices on Bakrid and other occasions. Ban madrasas that preach hatred and misinformation about other religions without teaching English, science, or mathematics,” he demanded.
Yatnal asserted that Kharge’s move is an attempt to divert public attention from governance failures. “Banning the RSS is a daydream. It is the only organisation in the world that works day and night without expecting rewards. It unites minds and strengthens society,” he said, accusing Kharge of appeasement politics aimed at pleasing certain vote banks.
Meanwhile, official sources confirmed that Minister Priyank Kharge has formally written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, requesting a ban on RSS activities in government premises, including schools, temples under the Muzrai Department, and archaeological sites. Siddaramaiah has forwarded the letter to Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, instructing her to “examine the proposal and take appropriate action.”
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge writes a letter to CM Siddaramaiah, urging that permission to conduct RSS programs in government school and college grounds should not be granted. He has also appealed to CM Siddaramaiah that RSS programs should not be allowed in public parks and… pic.twitter.com/pqt76hk5Kw
— ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2025
In his letter, Kharge argued that the RSS misuses public institutions to propagate “divisive and unconstitutional ideas.” The minister alleged that the organisation conducts activities in government and aided schools, shouting slogans and “instilling negative thoughts in young minds”. He accused the RSS of holding aggressive demonstrations without police permission, claiming they create “a negative psychological impact on children and youth.”
He requested the CM to ban all RSS shakhas, Sanghik and Baithak meetings held at any government-owned or aided places, including parks, temples, and grounds.
The proposal has sparked widespread debate within Karnataka’s political circles. BJP leaders and Sangh supporters have accused the Congress of reviving anti-RSS rhetoric to consolidate its secular base ahead of future elections. Yatnal’s fiery rebuttal reflects growing resentment among opposition ranks, who see the move as an “ideological witch-hunt” and a calculated attempt to polarize sentiment.
