RSS gets nod for march in Mallikarjun Kharge’s stronghold, but with conditions

Mangalore Today News Network

Yadgir, Oct 30, 2025: The Yadgir district administration has granted conditional permission to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to hold a route march in Gurmitkal, the political stronghold of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.

Deputy Commissioner Harshal Boyal issued the approval for the march, scheduled for October 31 in Gurmitkal town. The procession will start from Narendra Rathod Layout and pass through key points, including Samrat Circle, Basaveshwara Circle, Hanuman Temple, and Kumbara Wadi before concluding.

The order was issued following an application submitted on October 23 by Bassappa Sanjanol, the District Prachar Pramukh of the RSS. Police have permitted the procession to pass through Samrat Circle, APMC Circle, Hanuman Temple, Marathawadi, Police Station Road, Milan Chowk, and Sihineeru Bavi Market Main Road, before concluding at Ram Nagar. The district administration has imposed ten strict conditions on the event.

Organisers have been instructed to ensure that no damage occurs to public or private property, with the responsibility of compensating for any loss resting entirely on them. RSS volunteers must strictly adhere to the approved route and refrain from raising slogans that could hurt religious or caste sentiments. Any act likely to disturb peace or communal harmony has been prohibited.

The order also states that roads must not be blocked, shops cannot be forcibly shut, and no participant is allowed to carry weapons or firearms. Adequate police arrangements will be deployed along the route to maintain order. Officials have warned that any violation of these conditions will invite legal action against the organisers.

The permission comes amid recent political friction over RSS activities in Karnataka. State minister Priyank Kharge, son of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, had earlier written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urging a ban on RSS shakhas in government and government-aided schools and public spaces, alleging that they “instill negative ideas in the minds of children and youth."

In a separate letter, Kharge sought disciplinary action against government employees participating in RSS programmes, arguing that such activities undermine India’s unity and the spirit of the Constitution. Days later, the Karnataka cabinet directed that any organisation wishing to hold events on government premises must seek prior approval, and several employees were subsequently suspended for taking part in an RSS march.

It remains unclear whether RSS cadres will be permitted to carry lathis during the Gurmitkal route march.