New Delhi, Nov 6 (NationPress) In response to claims regarding attempts to limit the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) by the Congress-led administration in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar asserted on Thursday that the state government never claimed it aimed to control the RSS. He emphasized that permission is required for organizing events in public venues.

The Deputy Chief Minister stated: “We never said we would control the RSS.”

Addressing the media in New Delhi, Shivakumar reacted to questions surrounding the matter.

When confronted with inquiries about perceived efforts to regulate the RSS, he responded, “Where did we ever assert we would control the RSS? We merely indicated that permission must be sought for public programs — this rule applies to all.”

“Where did we mention the RSS? The discussion was already public. According to a directive from the former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar-led BJP government, anyone wishing to conduct a public event must acquire permission. We never stated that the RSS is prohibited from holding events,” Shivakumar clarified.

Regarding the High Court's recent decision to dismiss the appeal questioning the governmental stay order, he remarked, “There is no setback for the government. We will consult with our legal team and evaluate the situation.”

“We have great respect for the judiciary,” he emphasized.

On the subject of the Mekedatu project, Shivakumar noted, “They are planning to establish a separate bench to review it. A date will be set, and we hope justice will prevail for our state.”

He further declared that “strict measures will be implemented against those who have not been engaged in Karnataka's signature campaign against voter fraud.”

When asked about potential protests in Karnataka regarding alleged voter fraud in Haryana, Shivakumar affirmed, “Certainly, we will. We have already gathered lakhs of signatures. We will present them in Delhi on November 9.”

“I will engage in discussions with Congress’ block presidents. Strict actions will be taken against those who have not actively participated in this campaign. The AICC General Secretaries have instructed that individuals who fail to fulfill their duties in the signature campaign should be relieved of their positions,” he added.

“I will discuss this with the Chief Minister and inform the MLAs as well,” he confirmed.

“Voter fraud is a significant national concern. We have already collected around 70–80 lakh signatures in our state. Some MLAs and block-level Congress leaders have not taken this seriously — stringent actions will be enforced against such individuals,” Shivakumar pointed out.

“I will submit my report. I hold the authority to dismiss the party's block presidents from their roles. Regarding MLAs, I will notify the Chief Minister, and AICC leaders will provide directives,” he said.

When questioned about the Election Commission's lack of seriousness regarding the voter fraud allegations in Haryana, especially after similar incidents were reported in Karnataka and Maharashtra, Shivakumar stated, “In a democratic framework, the populace is paramount. We are raising awareness about these issues, and they will make the right choice when the time is right. We are informing citizens about the happenings in the nation.”

“We are aware of what transpired in the Bengaluru South constituency — we (Congress) lost there. Let’s not delve into my own Assembly constituency right now; Rahul Gandhi is presenting evidence of irregularities in other constituencies to the public,” he concluded.