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Bengaluru, October 16 (IANS) Karnataka RDPR, IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge has written a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah demanding a ban on participation of government employees in Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities.
They have also demanded that government officials be banned from supporting the RSS in any way.
Priyank Kharge, son of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, issued the letter on Thursday. Earlier, he had written another letter to the Chief Minister demanding a ban on RSS activities in public places and government-owned properties, which had sparked a major controversy.
In his latest letter, Kharge said, “In Karnataka, government servants are bound by Rule 5(1) of the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules. No government servant should be a member of any political party, organization or association engaged in political activities, nor should he maintain any connection with such bodies. He is prohibited from taking part in political movements or activities connected therewith, and he should not make donations or give any kind of support Needed.”
Despite these clear instructions, Kharge pointed out that in recent times, government officials and employees have been seen participating in activities organized by the RSS and its affiliates.
Kharge demanded, “In this background, I urge that a circular be issued to the authorities concerned to ban the participation of state government officials and employees in activities organized by the RSS and other organizations. The circular should also warn that strict disciplinary action will be initiated against violators.”
This development is likely to further escalate the dispute.
Earlier, the BJP had released a photograph of Mallikarjun Kharge at an RSS event in Bengaluru to respond to Priyank Kharge’s demand to ban RSS activities in public places.
However, Priyank Kharge clarified that this is an old photo – from the time when Mallikarjun Kharge was the Home Minister of Karnataka, and he had gone there to warn RSS event organizers not to create communal tension.
Priyank Kharge also released a video showing how he was “misbehaved” and “threatened” for raising his voice against the RSS.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has asked Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh to look into the issue of banning RSS activities in public places on the lines of the steps taken by the Tamil Nadu government.
BJP State President BY Vijayendra has rejected Priyank Kharge’s demand calling it a publicity stunt.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Assembly R. Ashok has announced that he will himself organize RSS activities in public places and challenged the Congress-led government to take action.
–IANS
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