RSS Activites ban in Karnataka: In the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)'s 100-year history, it has been vetoed three times—after Mahatma Gandhi's assassination, during the Emergency, and in 1992. Now, calls for a ban on the RSS have been raised once again. Interestingly, just days ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proudly released a special forge featuring the RSS workers, and now the Congress government in Karnataka has issued an order banning RSS activities on government premises.
Indeed, Priyank Kharge, son of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and a state minister, wrote a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah taxing that RSS shakhas not be held in government and government-aided schools, public grounds, and state government land. Following this, CM Siddaramaiah took whoopee and issued the ban order.
Negative impact on the psychology of children and youth
According to the government order, RSS shakhas or related activities will not be held in government schools, public parks, or on government land. Minister Priyank Kharge moreover stated that the use of sticks (punishments) in shakhas demonstrates aggression, which negatively impacts the psychology of children and youth. Kharge wrote in his letter, "When forces that spread hatred rise in society, the principles of the Constitution unity, equality, and integrity requite us the power to stop them. In the interest of the mental health of children, youth, and society, RSS activities should be vetoed on government premises."
History of Government Bans
Just a year ago, the inside government lifted the ban on government employees from participating in RSS events. The Home Ministry amended older orders from 1966, 1970, and 1980 to lift the ban. Employees were barred from peekaboo RSS shakhas during the Congress regime.
BJP's Counterattack
The BJP has reacted sharply to Priyank Kharge's letter. Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra said, "Who is Priyank Kharge to write such a letter? He should understand the contribution of the RSS. During the Congress government, the RSS's role was praised during the India-China war, and it was plane invited to the Republic Day parade."
Vijayendra said that as a responsible minister, Priyank Kharge should focus on the minutiae of his constituency, Gulbarga, instead of making statements versus the RSS. He taunted that the RSS is triumphal its centenary, and Priyank is making statements just to grab media headlines.
