Bengaluru
The Karnataka BJP on Saturday strongly criticized the Congress-led state government for allegedly targeting the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its supporters, describing the actions as an “Emergency-style” attempt to suppress dissent.
The opposition cited the removal of RSS banners and flags in Chittapur town, Kalaburagi district, questioning whether the area was being treated as a personal fiefdom. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka questioned, “Is Chittapur in India, or is it the Kharge family’s own Republic”? He said, “Permission for the RSS foot march was obtained, advertisement tax paid, and receipts issued. Yet the saffron banners were removed overnight. Do you consider yourself the Nizam of Chittapur or a Razakar?” He warned that attempts to undermine the RSS would not succeed and would fail like past oppressive measures.
The controversy intensified after the state government suspended Raichur Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) Praveen Kumar KV for participating in an RSS centenary event in uniform, citing violations of civil service rules. BJP Yuva Morcha National President and Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya assured the suspended officer of legal support, saying he would personally represent him in court and challenge the “unlawful” suspension.
State BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra condemned the actions as feudal-style politics, accusing Minister Priyank Kharge of targeting the RSS and other pro-Hindu organizations despite them following proper procedures. He criticized the municipal staff for tearing down banners and buntings late at night, calling it a mockery of democracy and a deliberate obstruction of RSS centenary celebrations.
Vijayendra emphasized that the BJP would uphold democratic values and the Constitution, warning that those who provoke patriots “have never endured.” The party vowed to defend the rights of citizens to celebrate lawful events and maintain the dignity of democratic expression in the state.
