Bengaluru, Oct 17 (NationPress) In response to BJP leaders' challenge regarding the continuation of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) events in Karnataka, Priyank Kharge, the Minister for RDPR, IT, and BT, declared on Friday that legal actions will be taken if the established rules are not adhered to.

According to the Karnataka government, all organizations must secure prior approval to conduct events in public areas. This decision follows Kharge’s correspondence that called for a prohibition on RSS activities in such locations.

Addressing reporters in Bengaluru, Kharge noted, “The legislation we are implementing is straightforward. We are enacting laws governing events and programs in public venues, parks, government schools, grounds, and government-aided institutions.”

“If you disagree and choose not to comply, consequences will follow for those breaching the law. It’s quite simple—one must obtain permission,” he asserted.

When questioned about the BJP’s intention to conduct a foot march in his Chittapur Assembly area, Kharge replied, “Do they wish to come in RSS attire in my constituency? I welcome the children of BJP leaders to come in uniform.”

“BJP leaders have visited Kalaburagi district multiple times this year, not to address the public's concerns but merely to protest against me. They can organize a foot march—there's no opposition. However, rules must be followed. I encourage BJP leaders to have their children participate in the march wearing RSS uniforms,” he stated.

BJP leaders, including the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, R. Ashoka, have challenged the government's directive, asserting they will proceed with RSS events as usual and daring the government to act. BJP MLA S.R. Vishwanath has also urged party members to set the RSS anthem ‘Namaste Sada Vatsale’ as their mobile ringtone.

An RSS foot march is scheduled in the Chittapur constituency on October 19, directly challenging Kharge to take action.

Simultaneously, the Congress party is staging protests across various districts in support of Kharge.

On Thursday, the Karnataka government decided in a cabinet meeting that securing permission from government authorities is essential for all private organizations wishing to utilize public spaces throughout the state.

The official statement regarding this decision remarked, “Government, government-aided schools and colleges, grant-in-aid educational institutions, parks, playgrounds, public roads, open spaces, and other properties/lands are meant for the rightful use of citizens. It is crucial to ensure that no obstacles or threats arise that could hinder public access. Additionally, it is vital to prevent law and order issues and address public grievances.”

“Many private organizations and associations in the state have been found using public spaces and government properties for their activities, propaganda, training, festivals, and gatherings without prior governmental approval or even notification,” it continued.

Such actions are deemed trespassing and significantly jeopardize public safety. Therefore, regulating the use of government property is essential. Any organization or association intending to use public property must obtain prior consent from the competent authority,” the statement emphasized.

If any activity results in public inconvenience or if events held in the premises of concerned institutions undermine their primary purpose, the competent authorities must deny permission for those activities, the statement concluded.

“In light of this, the concerned departments, while granting permissions, must ensure that there are no violations of citizens’ constitutionally guaranteed rights and should issue appropriate, detailed guidelines,” the statement added.