Bengaluru, Oct 18 (NationPress) On Saturday, civic officials and law enforcement in Karnataka dismantled Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) posters, buntings, saffron flags, and Bhagwa Dhwajs in Chittapur and Chamarajanagar. This action was taken due to the absence of necessary prior approvals for public gatherings.

The removals occurred just before the planned 'Path Sanchalan' (foot march) events organized by the RSS.

This decision aligns with a recent mandate from the Karnataka cabinet, which requires all private entities to secure government permission before hosting events in public areas across the state. The march in Chittapur is situated in the assembly constituency represented by Minister Priyank Kharge, who had previously addressed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to impose restrictions on RSS activities in public spaces.

During the early hours of Saturday, civic officials and police removed saffron flags and banners from key roads in Chittapur. Similarly, in Chamarajanagar, where an RSS foot march was set for 3 p.m., flags were taken down following protests from Dalit organizations.

In response to these developments, Minister Priyank Kharge stated, “The RSS flag is not a national flag. A BJP leader even threatened to intrude into homes and attack. Should we ignore such threats?”

He added, “I intend to file a police complaint. By organizing these foot marches, they are not just challenging me; they are defying the law. If they assert they will disregard the law in the future, what happens then?”

Kharge further remarked, “We thought RSS activists were civil, but they have revealed their true colors through their language. Since they failed to obtain the necessary permissions, all their flags and banners were removed.”

Addressing BJP leaders who claimed they would persist with RSS events as before in Karnataka, Kharge warned that legal action would follow if regulations were ignored.

The Karnataka government has mandated that all organizations acquire prior permission before hosting events in public spaces following Kharge's letter advocating for a ban on RSS activities in such areas.

In a cabinet meeting on Thursday, the state government resolved that all private organizations must obtain authorization from government entities prior to conducting public events across Karnataka.

BJP leaders, including Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, have challenged this directive, asserting that RSS events will proceed as usual and daring the government to take action.

BJP MLA S.R. Vishwanath has also encouraged party members to set the RSS anthem Namaste Sada Vatsale as their mobile ringtones.