Bengaluru: The Congress government in Karnataka, which had made bold claims about regulating Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities in government premises, has now backed down following internal revolt and mounting criticism. What began as an assertive move by IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge has ended in a political embarrassment for the Siddaramaiah administration, exposing deep cracks within the ruling Congress leadership.
Reliable sources confirmed to Organiser.com that the state government has decided not to table the “Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Properties Bill – 2025”, which was originally drafted to restrict RSS and other organizations from conducting activities in state-controlled institutions. Senior ministers, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, have reportedly opposed the move, calling it “politically counterproductive” and “ideologically unnecessary at this stage.”
Cabinet discord exposes lack of coordination
According to government insiders, the issue was raised during last week’s cabinet meeting, where Priyank Kharge’s controversial letter recommending restrictions on RSS activities was debated extensively. The Chief Minister and DCM both reportedly told Kharge that such a bill would “unnecessarily provide publicity to the RSS” and deepen communal polarization across the state.
Ministers expressed frustration that Kharge was attempting to push a sensitive legislative agenda without prior consultation or public consensus. One senior minister was quoted saying, “Our political and ideological battles are different. We cannot afford to create another controversy when the state is already dealing with multiple crises”.
The CM and DCM are said to have categorically told Kharge that no bill would be tabled and that if any action was to be taken, it should be limited to a government order regulating permissions for specific events.
A politically motivated move backfires
Kharge’s push for the bill was widely perceived as a political stunt, aimed at appealing to a section of the Congress high command and consolidating minority votes ahead of upcoming elections in Bihar and Maharashtra. However, the move sparked backlash not only from the opposition BJP and Sangh Parivar organizations but also within the Congress ranks, where several leaders warned that such steps would alienate moderate voters and invite unnecessary confrontation.
The draft bill had proposed draconian measures, including:
- Mandatory permission from the district administration for any religious or political event on government premises
- Up to two years imprisonment and Rs 50,000 fine for first-time violations
- Up to three years imprisonment and Rs 1 lakh fine for repeat offences
- An additional ₹5,000 daily fine for continuing violations
Critics argued that such provisions would have far-reaching implications and curtail freedom of assembly, impacting not only RSS but also several community and cultural organizations that use public spaces for non-political events.
Ministers warn of electoral backlash
Fearing political damage, several senior Congress leaders reportedly advised the Chief Minister to distance the government from Kharge’s proposal. One minister cautioned that implementing the bill would make it appear as if the government was targeting a particular ideology, which could backfire during elections and strengthen the BJP’s narrative of “anti-Hindu governance.”
Following heated discussions, the cabinet decided to discard the bill entirely, opting instead for limited, district-level regulation. The government has now instructed deputy commissioners to evaluate each request for public gatherings on a case-by-case basis, taking into account local conditions before granting permissions.
Government’s image takes a hit
This latest episode has once again highlighted the lack of coordination and leadership clarity within the Congress government. Priyank Kharge’s repeated attempts to take unilateral decisions from his earlier letter demanding a ban on RSS activities to now pushing an anti-RSS bill have raised questions about his motives and the CM’s control over his cabinet.
Political observers believe that this retreat not only weakens the government’s credibility but also signals internal power struggles between the Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar factions. While both top leaders sought to downplay the controversy, their silence on Kharge’s actions has only added to speculation that the Congress government is struggling to maintain
