Priyank Kharge slams RSS over Chittapur route march, questions legality and BJP’s role

Kalaburagi ;;District in-charge minister Priyank Kharge has accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of turning the route march issue into a matter of prestige and questioned the BJP’s direct involvement in what he described as a “politically motivated provocation.”

Speaking to reporters at the Iwan-e-Shahi Guest House in Kalaburagi, Kharge said, “The RSS has taken this route march issue as a prestige fight. They insisted on holding the procession on the same day and in the same place, even after objections were raised. Some other organisations too have now sought permission for the same day. The matter is currently before the High Court, and everyone must abide by the court’s decision.”

Kharge alleged that the RSS had merely “informed” local authorities about the march, without seeking formal permission. “The police cannot provide security just because someone informs them of an event. Permission is mandatory. When permission was denied in Chittapur, they went to the High Court. If unregistered groups march on public roads with sticks in their hands, will it not cause fear among citizens? And if something goes wrong, who will take responsibility?” he asked.

Responding to questions about why the stick (lathi) issue is being raised only in Chittapur, Kharge said, “There are laws everywhere, including Chittapur. But when the issue involves the safety and future of young people here, we have acted according to the law. If the High Court grants permission for marches with sticks, we have no objection.”

Kharge, who represents Chittapur constituency, claimed he was being unfairly targeted for raising legitimate legal and safety concerns. “Let them target me. I only asked questions. I don’t comment on others’ ideologies. My ideology, the Chief Minister’s ideology, Kharge Saheb’s ideology, and Rahul Gandhi’s ideology — they’re all about peace and unity, and that’s enough for me,” he said.

The minister further alleged that the RSS had violated the law in Sedam by conducting a route march without permission. “We will bring this to the notice of the court. During the earlier peace meeting, why did BJP leaders attend on behalf of the RSS? Why didn’t Ashok Patil attend himself? Were they there to maintain peace or to disrupt it?” he asked pointedly.

Kharge also indicated that the RSS registration status issue would be raised before the High Court at an appropriate time. “Right now, the case is only about the route march. Once that is settled, the question of registration will be taken up legally,” he said.

He accused the BJP and RSS of launching a coordinated attack against him after the government issued an order regulating the use of public spaces. “After I wrote a letter about it, I received thousands of calls — some even threatening my life. One caller used obscene language against my family and said he was an RSS supporter. The police acted on their own and arrested him. He’s a poor man, but those who provoked him must also be punished,” Kharge said.

The minister confirmed that notices had been issued to government employees who participated in the RSS route marches. “Action will be taken as per service rules. The Centre’s directives don’t automatically apply to state government employees,” he clarified.

Tags: Kalaburagi, Priyank Kharge, RSS, route march, Chittapur, BJP, High Court, law and order