Facing a political showdown, the Karnataka Congress government recently made prior permission mandatory for all events on government property. The order, issued on 19 October 2025, required organizations to apply for permits three days in advance.
The rule was immediately tested in Minister Priyank Kharge’s constituency, Chittapur, where the RSS and Bhim Army planned rival rallies. Local authorities denied the RSS permission, citing an incomplete application and potential law and order risks, a decision that also applied to the Bhim Army.
However, the Karnataka High Court intervened, allowing the RSS to hold its march on 2 November 2025. The court directed the group to submit a fresh application and instructed the state to consider it, emphasizing that all sentiments must be respected. This legal reprieve sets the stage for the contested event to proceed under judicial oversight.
Priyank Kharge’s Contradictory Stand Emerges
This firm stance on legal compliance contrasts sharply with Minister Kharge’s own recommendation regarding Case Crime No. 71/2019 at Chittapur Police Station. Official documents reveal that Kharge, along with other ministers, submitted a request to the Home Minister seeking withdrawal of this serious case.
The case details reveal a disturbing incident from August 11, 2019. Police officials, including complainant Nataraj Lade PSI of Chittapur Police Station, had intercepted a Bulero Pick-up (KA-20 C-2593) illegally transporting cows without safety measures near Diggamva Cross. The vehicle was brought to the police station and the cattle were secured.
According to the police report, when the Muslim community learned of the seizure, approximately 25-30 people gathered in front of Chittapur police station around 10:00 PM, demanding the release of the vehicle and cattle for Bakrid. Despite repeated instructions from 14 police officers to disperse, the mob turned violent.
The identified accused include Sheikh Moseen, Mahmuda Fayaz, Mahmuda Yusuf, Imran, Noor, Mahmuda Zakir, Mahmuda Wajid, Mujahid, Mahmada Khalil, Ikshal, Riyaz, Farooq, Baba Saudagara and 15-20 others. They allegedly pelted stones at DAR and police personnel, damaged police vehicles, and injured officers while demanding the release of the illegally transported cattle.
Despite the seriousness of the charges – which included sections 143, 147, 148, 353, 427, and 149 of the IPC – Minister Kharge recommended withdrawal of the case. The state cabinet subsequently approved withdrawing the prosecution, a decision that legal experts say potentially violates Supreme Court and High Court guidelines on case withdrawals.
The emergence of these details exposes Priyank Kharge’s hypocrisy as someone who frequently invokes constitutional principles while reportedly recommending the withdrawal of a case involving attack on police personnel protecting illegally transported cattle.
Priyank Kharge never misses a chance to lecture others about the Constitution and constitutional bodies. Yet, it was he who recommended the withdrawal of criminal cases against rioters who had attacked the Chittapur Police.
The case Crime No. 71/2019 at Chittapur Police Station… pic.twitter.com/B3LavuZDfd
— Girish Bharadwaj (@Girishvhp) October 20, 2025
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