Belagavi, Oct 16 (NationPress) In light of the escalating debate concerning the call for a ban on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Karnataka, BJP MP Jagadish Shettar asserted on Thursday that the Siddaramaiah government is in a state of disarray regarding both economic stability and law & order. He suggested that this contentious issue is being raised as a distraction for the public.

Speaking to IANS, Shettar remarked, “Under Siddaramaiah’s leadership, the administration in Karnataka has completely faltered. The law and order situation is dire, and the financial health is critically compromised. To deflect public attention, unnecessary topics are being introduced.”

He further stated, “Previously, Siddaramaiah introduced the caste census to divert public focus. Now, we see another controversial issue emerging, which is the overt criticism of the RSS. There is no substantial conflict here. The RSS is a patriotic organization dedicated to national unity. This is merely an effort to create confusion and spread propaganda against the RSS. Presently, there are 80,000 RSS branches operating nationwide.”

Shettar also pointed out an internal struggle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar regarding the leadership position.

“This indicates the growing stature of the RSS. The attacks against it are both unwarranted and politically calculated. They serve to divert attention from administrative shortcomings. The ongoing discord between D.K. Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah is exacerbating the situation, leading to a daily deterioration of governance,” he explained.

In the meantime, the Congress-led administration in Karnataka has reissued an old circular from the Karnataka Public Instruction Department which prohibits the use of government school grounds for any private activities.

This circular, dated February 7, 2013, clearly stipulates that government school premises should not be utilized for private purposes or for activities outside the scope of academics.

Sources from the Chief Minister's Office confirmed that the decision to circulate this old directive was a reaction to Kharge’s letter calling for a prohibition on RSS activities in public venues, including schools and colleges.

The circular, signed by then Commissioner S.R. Umashankar, emphasized that when a request was made to utilize government school grounds in Chamarajpet, Bengaluru, it was determined that such spaces should be reserved solely for school children’s daily activities such as sports and educational purposes.

“In this context, school premises and grounds must not be used for activities unrelated to academic or educational goals. It is being mandated that no permissions should be granted for such purposes,” the circular stated.