Bengaluru, March 9 (NationPress) Karnataka's Public Works Minister, Satish Jarkiholi, declared on Monday that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) cannot be banned by anyone.

He indicated that the Congress-led state government has never claimed it would impose a ban on the RSS.

This remark was made during a media interaction at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, responding to former BJP MP Ananth Kumar Hegde's assertion that the Karnataka government is incapable of banning the RSS.

“Statements may be made, but officially, no one has prohibited it within the state. It's likely that no one will succeed in banning the RSS. There is absolutely no basis for banning this organization. We have never affirmed that we intend to ban the RSS,” he stated.

In response to a query about Minister for RDPR, IT, and BT Priyank Kharge's comments regarding the banning of RSS activities in the state, Jarkiholi clarified that there is a distinction between banning activities and banning the Sangh itself.

“These are separate issues. Our government has not proclaimed anywhere that we plan to ban the RSS. Therefore, any discussion on this topic is unwarranted,” he added.

When asked about the confusion surrounding internal reservations, Jarkiholi assured that it would be addressed in the forthcoming cabinet meeting.

“The matter remains unresolved, and discussions are still ongoing. We need to provide clarity, as there is widespread confusion in the state,” he remarked.

Regarding concerns from senior ministers, including K. H. Muniyappa, about the government taking a unilateral stance, Jarkiholi stated that the government is supportive of all parties involved.

“It is incorrect to suggest that the government has taken a side. We will strive to reach a resolution in the upcoming cabinet meeting,” he emphasized.

Minister Priyank Kharge had previously written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, advocating for a ban on RSS activities in public areas and on government properties statewide.

This issue has ignited a verbal clash between leaders of the Congress and BJP.

Following Kharge's letter, the government enforced an order declaring gatherings of more than ten individuals illegal, requiring prior approval for public events, which has raised constitutional concerns.

On November 17, 2025, the Karnataka High Court ruled that the Congress-led government's directive, mandating private organizations to secure permission for public events and activities on government properties, infringes upon fundamental rights.