Bengaluru, Oct 18 – The Karnataka BJP accused the ruling Congress‑led government of targeting the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its supporters in the state.
R. Ashoka, leader of the opposition, slammed the government after RSS banners and flags were removed overnight from Chittapur, a town in Kalaburagi district. “Is Chittapur a part of India or a private republic?” he asked, pointing out that the district is overseen by Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and his son Minister Priyank Kharge.
Ashoka said the municipality approved the RSS foot‑march, paid the advertising tax, and issued receipts. Yet the saffron symbols were taken down, he argued, showing a lack of respect for free expression. “This Emergency‑style crackdown won’t last,” he warned.
The controversy gained further heat when the state government suspended a Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) in Raichur for taking part in an RSS event. Tejasvi Surya, a Bengaluru MP and BJP’s National Youth Morcha president, said he would challenge the suspension in court. On X (formerly Twitter), Surya wrote, “I will appear before the tribunal and courts to overturn this illegal suspension. High‑court rulings support service members’ right to join RSS programmes.”
The PDO, Praveen Kumar KV, was fired for wearing his uniform while attending the event, cited as a violation of civil‑service conduct rules.
State BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra accused the Congress government of “feudal‑style politics” that stifles free speech. He accused Minister Priyank Kharge, who also represents the local MLA seat, of targeting the RSS despite the festival’s legal permission. “Municipal staff tore down saffron flags last night,” Vijayendra said. “This act mocks democracy and undermines the RSS centenary celebration.”
He pledged the BJP would defend the people’s voice against what he called the “Republic of Kalaburagi” controlled from Chittapur, reminding Kharge of the Constitution’s duty to protect one’s freedom.
The clash highlights ongoing tensions between the Karnataka BJP and the Congress‑led government over national‑level organizations like the RSS and the state’s approach to civil‑service conduct.
Source: ianslive
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