Bengaluru, Nov 16 (NationPress) The Karnataka Police have implemented stringent security measures in anticipation of the centenary foot march organized by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), taking place on Sunday in Chittapur, a town located in the Kalaburagi district.

The Chittapur Assembly constituency is represented by Priyank Kharge, the Minister for RDPR, IT and BT and son of the Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.

The planned march has attracted significant national attention due to prior controversies, as local authorities had initially denied permission for the RSS event in Chittapur. It was only after the intervention of the High Court that the Congress-led government granted permission.

Following the approval, uniformed members of the RSS will commence their march at 3:30 p.m. A total of 350 participants, including 50 band musicians, are expected to take part in the procession, which will cover a route of one-and-a-half kilometers.

The Pathsanchalan is scheduled to take place between 3:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., starting from Bajaj Kalyan Mantap and passing through significant locations such as Ambedkar Circle, Canara Bank, and the APMC.

In preparation, the police have conducted a route inspection in town, deploying one platoon from the Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) and the District Armed Reserve (DAR) near Bajaj Kalyan Mantap.

Approximately 650 police officers and 250 home guards have been assigned to ensure public safety and maintain order in Chittapur. The local Superintendent of Police, along with the Additional SP and DySP, are actively monitoring the situation. The police have also installed CCTV and drone cameras for enhanced surveillance.

It is noteworthy that on November 7, the Congress-led government in Karnataka informed the High Court, presided by Justice M.G.S. Kamal, that it would positively evaluate the RSS's request to conduct a padayatra in Chittapur.

Minister Priyank Kharge previously sparked controversy by requesting a ban on RSS activities in public areas and government properties. Consequently, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah issued a directive requiring prior approval for events in such locations, although this order was later suspended by the High Court.

The organization Punaschetana Seva Samsthe and others challenged the government’s directive in court.

In response, several Dalit and progressive organizations expressed opposition to the upcoming RSS Path Sanchalan, insisting that RSS volunteers refrain from carrying lathis (sticks) or the Bhagwa Dhwaj (saffron flag). They urged participants to instead carry the Preamble to the Constitution and the national flag.

This situation has created concern within the community.

State Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty stated in court that the government would consider all 11 applications for foot marches and processions, including that of the RSS, under specific conditions discussed in a recent meeting.

He requested that the court grant a week for processing applications, assuring that approval would be granted to all qualified applicants. The court instructed the petitioner, Ashok Patil, Convenor of the RSS Kalaburagi unit, to consult with authorities on November 5 regarding the proposed foot march.