Is Siddaramaiah planning to ban RSS activities in the Congress-ruled Karnataka?

In what could possibly snowball into a major political controversy in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said the Congress-ruled state intends to restrict the activities of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

On Monday, the minister had directed the  Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh to examine Tamil Nadu's actions regarding the ban on RSS activities on the premises of government offices.

This was after state minister Priyank Kharge shot up a letter to the chief minister, observing that the RSS has been conducting its 'shakhas' in government and government-aided schools, as well as on public grounds, where "slogans are shouted and negative ideas are instilled in the minds of children and youth." He had demanded a ban on all RSS activities in government institutions and public premises across the state.

Kharge had argued that such activities of the RSS are contrary to India's unity and the spirit of the Constitution.

On Wednesday, the chief minister clarified the statement he made on Monday about asking the chief secretary to study the actions of the Tamil Nadu government, saying the government intends to restrict the activities of not only the RSS but any organisation that causes disturbance at schools, public premises, or parks.

"Not only RSS, but any organisation should not do anything that disturbs others at schools, public premises, and parks. Tamil Nadu has taken steps to this effect. We are gathering information on what Tamil Nadu has done," Siddaramaiah told reporters.

Karnataka BJP president Vijayendra reacted to Kharge's letter, saying the RSS is doing nation-building work selflessly, and added that Congress cannot ban such activities.

BJP leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy claimed that the Congress government in the state is afraid of the RSS. "No other organisation can defeat the RSS. In this situation, Congress is worried due to its organisational capacity..."

Another BJP leader, C.T. Ravi, pointed out that many leaders have tried to stop the RSS, but have failed.

India