BENGALURU: fresh controversy has erupted in Karnataka over the state government’s tightening stance on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities in public institutions. The suspension of a Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) for participating in an RSS route march has triggered sharp political reactions, with the BJP accusing the Congress-led Siddaramaiah government of persecuting officials with nationalist leanings.
The suspended officer, Praveen Kumar, was serving as the Panchayat Development Officer of Rodalabanda village in Lingasugur taluk, Raichur district. The suspension order, issued by Dr Arundhathi, Commissioner of the Panchayat Raj Department, stated that Kumar had violated the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules by engaging in activities deemed “unbecoming of a government servant.”
According to the report, Praveen Kumar was seen wearing the traditional RSS uniform — white shirt, khaki shorts, and cap — and carrying a lathi (stick) while participating in a Path Sanchalan (route march) organised in Lingasugur town on October 12. The event was part of the RSS centenary celebrations being held across the state.
The department’s notice accused the PDO of taking part in a “politically affiliated organization’s activity,” which, under service rules, could compromise the neutrality expected of a government employee. Pending a detailed departmental inquiry, Praveen Kumar has been placed under suspension.
The suspension has drawn a strong response from the BJP and RSS sympathisers, who allege that the Congress government is targeting Sangh Parivar affiliates to consolidate its vote bank among minority communities.
Bangalore South MP Tejasvi Surya took to social media to extend his support to the suspended officer, promising legal assistance and slamming the state government’s decision.
“I spoke to Shri Praveen Kumar, the officer suspended by the Siddaramaiah-led government for participating in the RSS procession,” Surya posted on X. “I assured him that I will personally appear before the relevant tribunals and courts to challenge this illegal suspension. There are many High Court judgments upholding the right of government employees to participate in RSS programs. If the Siddaramaiah government wants a legal fight, we are ready.”
ಶ್ರೀ ಸಿದ್ದರಾಮಯ್ಯ ನೇತೃತ್ವದ ಸರ್ಕಾರವು, ಆರ್ಎಸ್ಎಸ್ ಪಥಸಂಚಲನದಲ್ಲಿ ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಿದ್ದಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಅಮಾನತುಗೊಳಿಸಿದ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿ ಶ್ರೀ ಪ್ರವೀಣ್ ಕುಮಾರ್ ರೊಂದಿಗೆ ನಾನು ಮಾತನಾಡಿದ್ದು, ಈ ಕಾನೂನುಬಾಹಿರ ಮತ್ತು ಅಕ್ರಮ ಅಮಾನತನ್ನು ಪ್ರಶ್ನಿಸಲು ನಾನು ವೈಯಕ್ತಿಕವಾಗಿ ಸಂಬಂಧಪಟ್ಟ ನ್ಯಾಯಾಧಿಕರಣ ಮತ್ತು ನ್ಯಾಯಾಲಯಗಳ ಮುಂದೆ ಹಾಜರಾಗುತ್ತೇನೆ ಎಂದು…
— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) October 18, 2025
The young MP’s intervention has further intensified the political debate, transforming what began as a departmental issue into a high-profile political flashpoint.
Sources in the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department have hinted that the state government is now reviewing participation by other employees in similar Sangh-related programs. Reports suggest that district-level officers have been asked to submit details of government servants who attended or were photographed in RSS processions during the centenary events.
This move, if confirmed, could escalate tensions further, especially in northern Karnataka districts where the Sangh holds considerable influence.
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