Karnataka Denies RSS March In Chittapur, BJP's 'Kim Jong Un' Counter

Authorities in Karnataka's Chittapur denied permission for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) proposed route march and Vijayadashami program scheduled for Sunday, citing law and order concerns.

As per an order, the petitioner, who is from the RSS, sought permission to hold a taluk-level procession in the town as part of the organisation's centenary celebrations and the Vijayadashami festival.

However, the police report submitted to the administration raised concerns about potential law and order issues.

'Simultaneous Rallies Can Lead To Clashes'

The police report highlighted that along the same route (where the RSS march was supposed to be held), the Bhim Army and the Bharatiya Dalit Panther (R) Sangh had also sought permission to hold their own processions on Sunday.

READ: Tension Grips Priyank Kharge's Turf Over Crackdown Ahead Of RSS March

Police intelligence suggested that simultaneous rallies by these groups could lead to clashes and disturb public peace.

The report also said that a recent incident involving an RSS activist allegedly verbally abusing and issuing a death threat to Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge had already heightened tensions in Chittapur, which is his constituency. 

Earlier, the installation of saffron flags and banners as part of the RSS event preparations sparked tensions in Chittapur. On Friday, authorities conducted a clearance drive, citing the lack of official permission for such installations.

Government Order Demands Permit For Events

The state government too on Saturday issued an order making "prior permission" mandatory for any private organisation, association or a group of persons to use government property or premises.

READ: Karnataka Officer Suspended For Attending RSS Event, BJP Hits Out At Congress

Responding to criticism over the alleged targeting of the RSS with the order, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified that his government was not targeting the Sangh.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Siddaramaiah said, "What we have done is that all organisations must obtain permission. That rule was framed during the tenure of the BJP government led by Jagadish Shettar. We have just repeated it. When the rule was brought during the BJP government, why didn't they do anything? Why did they not oppose?"

When asked whether his government is targeting the RSS, he stated, "We are not targeting RSS. The rule applies to all private organisations. BJP is always indulging in politics; they don't know anything. They won't take up the works for the poor and carry out politics."

BJP Counters With 'Kim Jong Un' Jibe

Hitting out at the Karnataka government, state BJP President Vijayendra Yediyurappa said the denial to hold the RSS event reminded one of the authoritarian regime of North Korea's dictator, Kim Jong Un.

In a post on X translated from Kannada, Yediyurappa said, "It seems that Minister Priyank Kharge holds deep admiration for the dark history of the Congress Party, which once imposed Emergency on the country. This is perhaps why he is attempting to recreate an Emergency-like administration in Kalaburagi district, using Chittapur as a testing ground."

"In blatant mockery of Dr BR Ambedkar's vision of the Constitution and democratic governance, a suffocating environment has been created in Chittapur. If the conditions imposed for granting permission to RSS' route march and program were to be applied across the state, it would become impossible to conduct any cultural or patriotic event anywhere in Karnataka," he added.

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