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Bengaluru, Oct 16 (IANS) The Congress-led government in Karnataka on Thursday decided to make it mandatory for all private organizations to take prior permission from the concerned government authorities before organizing any event.
This decision of the state government comes after state Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Priyank Kharge demanded a ban on the activities of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in public places.
This decision was taken in the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday.
Although the RSS was not mentioned directly, sources confirmed that the main objective of the move is to restrict the activities of the Sangh.
Talking to the media after the cabinet meeting, Priyank Kharge said that it has been made mandatory to take prior permission for any program organized on government property.
Kharge said, the new rules will be given legal support.
“Now it will not be possible to use lathi or take out path sanchalan (foot march),” he stressed.
Priyank Kharge said, “We cannot ban any organisation. We are trying to tell how one should behave on government properties and the law should be the same for people of all religions. Be it government property or a public place, prior permission from the state government is required.”
“A set of laws and guidelines already exist in this regard. The state cabinet has decided to consolidate them into a new law,” he said.
Priyank Kharge also said that the debate on this issue will continue.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that educational institutions remain focused on education and public spaces remain for the public. If someone, according to their whim, takes out ‘path sanchalan’ with sticks, then for whom are they doing it? Be it any organization or anyone, they all should remain within the legal ambit.”
He asserted, “Everyone, including me, should stay within the ambit of the law. Let them take permission. If they are not involved in illegal activities, why hesitate in taking permission? We are only asking to follow due process. If it is a good programme, it will be approved; if not, permission will not be given. The law should apply equally to all.”
Karnataka Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Ishwar Khandre also commented on the issue, saying, “Today’s cabinet meeting has decided that no programs will be allowed in schools, government offices and government-owned properties without prior permission. Programs that incite communal sentiments will not be allowed under any circumstances.”
“The state government has taken a strong decision in this regard and state Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil will give further details,” Khandre said.
This decision is likely to spark political controversy in the state.
–IANS
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