Bengaluru: A senior government officer in Karnataka has been suspended for allegedly participating in a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) event, reigniting a political debate over the neutrality of civil servants and the state government’s stance on ideological organisations.
Addressing reporters in Bengaluru on Sunday, State Home Minister G. Parameshwara justified the suspension, stating that government officials are bound by service conduct rules that prohibit participation in political or ideological groups.
“They have guidelines that any official in an official capacity, when you are still in government service, you’re not supposed to participate in these kinds of organisations. That is why the action has been taken,” Parameshwara clarified.
He further noted that the cabinet recently decided to prohibit government schools, colleges, and grounds from being used by any ideological organisation, including the RSS.
“Orders were issued yesterday after the cabinet decision banning all such organisations from using government educational institutions and premises. The order has come into effect now,” Parameshwara added.
The controversy follows remarks by Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, who earlier urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to restrict RSS activities in state-owned spaces. Kharge accused the organisation of “brainwashing young minds” and promoting ideologies contrary to constitutional values. He also alleged that certain government officers had been making anti-government remarks at RSS events.
In response, Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) National Spokesperson Vinod Bansal strongly criticised the Congress government’s stance, accusing it of political opportunism and intolerance.
“The Congress is writing its own obituary by trying to ban the RSS,” Bansal said, adding, “The drama in Karnataka is only increasing with the rise of two princes — Priyank Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. They think attacking the RSS will earn them attention, but it will only backfire.”
Bansal asserted that attempts to restrict RSS activities would only strengthen the organisation’s outreach.
“If they ban the RSS, our work will multiply fourfold,” he said.
