BENGALURU: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which has completed 100 years of its formation, is celebrating its centenary by organising path sanchalan across Karnataka. However, these marches have not been free from controversy. In several places, including Chittapur and Yadgir, objections from Dalit and social organizations have created tension, forcing local administrations to intervene.
In Kembhavi town of Yadgir district, the situation was initially tense as members of the Dalit Sangharsh Samiti (DSS) had announced plans to hold a counter-protest during the RSS path sanchalan scheduled on November 3. To prevent any possible law and order issue, the Surapura taluka administration convened a peace meeting at Kembhavi police station earlier today (November 3).
The meeting, chaired by Surapura Tahsildar and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP), brought together representatives of both groups. After extensive discussions, Dalit leaders agreed to withdraw their planned protest. The officials successfully convinced them that the RSS path sanchalan would be held peacefully under strict supervision and that the administration would ensure that no inflammatory slogans or acts would be allowed.
Following the positive outcome of the peace meeting, the Surapura taluka administration submitted a detailed report to Yadgir Deputy Commissioner Harshal Boyer. After reviewing the findings, the district administration granted conditional permission for the RSS path sanchaln in Kembhavi on Tuesday, November 4.
According to officials, the march will begin at 9:30 am from Kembhavi Municipality and pass through key areas such as Railway Station Road, Market Beedi, and near the Gram Panchayat before concluding in the town center. Around 500 RSS volunteers are expected to participate in the event.
District authorities have imposed several conditions to maintain public order. Police personnel from nearby stations will be deployed along the route, and the organisers have been instructed to ensure that no provocative speeches or religious slogans are raised during the march. The event will also be closely monitored through CCTV cameras and video recording.
This decision comes against the backdrop of a series of controversies over RSS path sanchalan in various districts of Karnataka. Recently, in Chittapur of Kalaburagi district, permission for an RSS path sanchalan was denied due to concerns about communal sensitivity. In Yadgir, similar protests had erupted, with local Dalit groups opposing the event, arguing that such processions could disturb social harmony.
