Bengaluru, Oct 16 (NationPress) Karnataka's RDPR, IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge has addressed a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, advocating for a prohibition on government employees engaging in activities related to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

He has called for restrictions on government officials from providing any form of support to the RSS.

Priyank Kharge, the son of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, made this letter public on Thursday. Previously, he sent another letter to the Chief Minister requesting a ban on RSS activities in public spaces and government properties, which sparked considerable debate.

In his recent communication, Kharge emphasized, "In Karnataka, government employees are governed by Rule 5(1) of the Karnataka Civil Service (Conduct) Rules. No government employee should affiliate with any political party, organization, or association involved in political activities, nor should they associate with such entities. They are barred from participating in political movements or activities linked to them, and they must not contribute or support in any way."

Despite these established guidelines, Kharge noted that there have been instances of government officers and employees engaging in activities organized by the RSS and its affiliates.

"Given this context, I urge that a directive be issued to the relevant authorities forbidding state government employees from participating in RSS activities. This directive must also caution that strict disciplinary actions will follow for any violators," Kharge insisted.

This situation is poised to ignite further controversy.

Previously, the BJP released a photograph of Mallikarjun Kharge attending an RSS event in Bengaluru to counter Priyank Kharge's call for a ban on RSS activities in public areas.

However, Priyank clarified that the image is old, taken when Mallikarjun Kharge was the Karnataka Home Minister, and he attended to caution the RSS event organizers against inciting communal tensions.

Moreover, Priyank Kharge shared a video illustrating how he was "abused" and "threatened" for voicing his concerns against the RSS.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has instructed Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh to investigate the possibility of banning RSS activities in public spaces, akin to the actions taken by the Tamil Nadu government.

BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra has dismissed Priyank Kharge's call as merely a publicity stunt.

In the meantime, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka has proclaimed that he will personally organize RSS activities in public spaces and challenged the Congress-led government to respond.