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Mangaluru, Oct 20 (IANS) Responding to allegations of targeting of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in the state, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified that the government has not banned the RSS.
“The RSS has not been specifically mentioned anywhere in the order issued regarding seeking permission for activities in school and college campuses,” the Chief Minister said while addressing the media in Puttur town in Mangaluru district.
He said the order mentioned “any organization or association” and not just the RSS. “We have only repeated the order which was issued earlier by the BJP government. If they can do it, why can’t we?” He said.
Siddaramaiah pointed out that in 2013, when Jagadish Shettar was the chief minister, an order was issued barring organizations from conducting activities on school and college campuses.
“Now Jagadish Shettar is saying that the education department had issued that order, not him. But the order was passed during his tenure as chief minister,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that it is not necessary that organizations should always be allowed, granting or denying permission depends on the situation and the need to maintain law and order.
Later, speaking after the inauguration of the Ashok Janmana 2025 programme, the Chief Minister said that contributing a part of one’s earnings to the underprivileged in the society is a noble act.
He said, “Our country should reflect unity in diversity. It should be a garden of peace for all communities. A society that fights internally or has inequality should not be built. Tolerance towards other religions is necessary. Coexistence is important. If everyone follows it, the objectives of the Constitution will be fulfilled.”
The Chief Minister said that people who instigate such riots do not send their children to the front line. “They send the children of the poor and innocent. Now efficient officers have been appointed. Is there no improvement now?” he asked.
The Chief Minister said GST was implemented in 2017 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adding that taxes were looted from Indians in the last eight years.
“Now the government reduces GST and calls it a Diwali gift. Karnataka is facing a loss of Rs 15,000 crore due to the changes in GST,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that communal harmony is essential for the development of any state or district, special attention should be paid to it in Mangaluru.
“Cases will be registered against those who disturb communal harmony and spread fake news. Ministers Priyank Kharge and HK Patil have already reviewed the legal remedies in this regard,” he said.
–IANS
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