Kalaburagi, Oct 31 (NationPress) Karnataka's Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Priyank Kharge, remarked on Friday that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has elevated the Patha Sanchalana (foot march) issue to a matter of prestige.

Kharge noted that the RSS has announced its intention to conduct the foot march on the same date as other organizations that have also requested permission for their route marches.

The minister emphasized that the situation is currently under review by the High Court, and all parties must abide by its ruling. He mentioned that invitations have been extended to certain individuals, including students, to take part in the Path Sanchalan.

“To safeguard students' futures and promote social harmony, I have urged the government to prevent both the RSS and any other organization from utilizing government facilities for rallies,” he stated.

He pointed out that there is a High Court directive against public events in public areas, adding that in Bengaluru, RSS members had only informed authorities and proceeded with the event without police authorization.

“Whenever a large gathering is organized, obtaining police permission is essential, not just a notification. If the RSS can bypass this, others will likely follow suit, which raises questions among the public,” he remarked.

Kharge also noted that after the government issued its directive, the RSS and BJP began to target him.

“What ties does the BJP have with the RSS? After sending my letter, I received a flood of calls. The BJP is leveraging this for political gain. As a minister, why would I seek such publicity?” he questioned.

The minister added that one caller even threatened him and used abusive language against his family.

“No BJP leader has condemned this. The caller claimed to be a devoted RSS supporter. Those who instigated him must also face consequences,” he asserted.

He further explained that the RSS merely informed the government and did not seek permission for events across different areas, including Kalaburagi.

“When permission is denied, as it was in Chittapur, they turn to the High Court. Others then seek permission as well. When an unregistered organization holds a route march carrying sticks, it instills fear among the public. Who will be accountable if something goes wrong?” he questioned.

The minister noted that notices have been sent to government employees who participated in route marches in various locations, stating that actions will be taken in accordance with service regulations.

“Central directives cannot be applied directly to state government employees,” he added.

Kharge stated that the route march held in Sedam was illegal and that the issue will be presented to the court.

“Who is instigating confusion regarding the RSS route march? There were no objections to carrying sticks in other locations, so why only in Chittapur? The law should be uniform, but we acted lawfully for the sake of Chittapur's youth. The matter is now with the High Court. If the court permits the route march with sticks, we will not oppose it,” Kharge concluded.

He mentioned that the question of the RSS's registration certificate would also be raised at the appropriate time before the High Court.