Karnataka Cabinet moves to restrict RSS activities in government institutions, public spaces

The Karnataka Cabinet has decided to issue an order preventing trespassing of public properties by organisations such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, said Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil on Thursday (October 16, 2025).

The decision follows IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge’s letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seekign a ban on activities of the RSS on public properties such as government schools, colleges, etc.

In a letter to the CM dated October 12, 2025, Mr. Kharge demanded that RSS activities not be allowed on government properties. He wrote, “In the interest of the well-being of the country’s children, youth, the public, and society as a whole, I earnestly request that a ban be imposed on all types of activities conducted by the RSS, whether under the name of shakha, sanghik, or baithak on the premises of government properties.”

The Minister’s demand had elicited strong opposition from the BJP while also resulting in abusive messages and threat calls taregtting him and his family.

Following this, Mr. Siddaramaiah had instructed the Chief Secretary to study measures taken by the neighbouring Tamil Nadu government to restrict the activities of the RSS there.

Upping the ante on Thursday (October 16, 2025), Mr. Kharge had written another letter to Mr. Siddaramaiah, seeking an official circular warning government officials of disciplinary action if they associate themselves with the activities of the RSS and other organisations, in violation of the existing rules.