Karnataka Minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge has formally urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to impose a ban on all activities conducted by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in government institutions and public premises across the state. In a letter dated 4 October 2025, Kharge contended that such activities go against India’s unity and the constitutional spirit.
Kharge, the son of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, alleged that the RSS has been conducting its ‘shakhas’ in government and government-aided schools, as well as on public grounds, where “slogans are shouted and negative ideas are instilled in the minds of children and youth.” The letter was shared with the media by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) on Sunday.
According to Priyank Kharge, the RSS belief system is “contrary to India’s ideals of unity and secular framework.” He warned that “when divisive forces that sow hatred among the people raise their heads, our Constitution, founded on the core principles of integrity, equality, and unity, grants us the authority to curb such elements and uphold the secular values of the nation.”
The minister further alleged that these activities often occur without police permission, and that “aggressive displays are being carried out while wielding sticks,” which he claimed could have harmful psychological effects on children and young people.
Calling for firm government action, Kharge urged that a ban be imposed on all RSS activities, whether under the name of ‘shakha’, ‘sanghik’, or ‘baithak’. He specified that the ban should cover government schools, government-aided schools, public playgrounds, parks, temples under the Muzrai Department, sites under the Archaeology Department, and all other government premises.
Kharge emphasized that the Constitution empowers both citizens and the State to act against forces that spread division, asserting that such intervention is necessary to ensure the protection of secular and democratic values.
“Letter to Karnataka CM Siddhramaih to BAN RSS”
Priyank Kharge wants to ban RSS!
Dear @PriyankKharge ,
Even Indira Gandhi tried but couldn’t ban the RSS,
Now,who are you ?If you’ve got the guts, go ahead and try banning RSS
If you people continue playing the same dirty… pic.twitter.com/6wAdz2WQPc
— Mahesh Vikram Hegde 🇮🇳 (@mvmeet) October 12, 2025
It is noteworthy that during the preparations for the RSS Samarasata Sangama held at Nagawara, Bengaluru, from January 25 to 27, 2002, the then Karnataka Home Minister, Mallikarjun Kharge – father of Priyank Kharge, who has recently called for a ban on RSS activities in the state, visited the RSS campsite along with other Congress ministers. The ministers reportedly commended the organisation for its social service initiatives during the event. The gathering was attended by prominent RSS functionaries, including the recently deceased veteran Shri K. R. Narahari. Congress leader Roshan Baig and then Bengaluru Police Commissioner T. Sangliana were also present at the occasion.
Little knowledge is dangerous.
During the preparations for the RSS Samarasata Sangama held at Nagawara, Bengaluru, on January 25, 26, and 27, 2002 — the then Karnataka Home Minister, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge (father of Priyank Kharge, who now wants to ban RSS activities in the… https://t.co/xAd0slwlCX pic.twitter.com/XycaBO2vbq
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) October 12, 2025
(With inputs from Times of India)
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