Bengaluru, November 3, 2025:
A fresh political storm has erupted in Karnataka as the Congress-led state government, under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has moved to restrict or ban activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) — including its traditional path sanchalan (route marches) — citing security and public order concerns.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused the Congress of “defaming nationalist organizations for political mileage.”
The Controversy: What Sparked It
Sources in the Karnataka Home Department say that the government has urged the police to deny permissions for RSS processions in sensitive districts such as Mysuru, Shivamogga, and Mangaluru, citing intelligence reports of potential law-and-order issues.
Congress ministers argue that recent communal tensions during local festivals have necessitated stricter monitoring of “organizations conducting provocative public activities.”
“No group, irrespective of its ideology, will be allowed to endanger communal harmony in Karnataka,” said Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara, defending the government’s position.
BJP Reacts: ‘Attack on Cultural Freedom’
The BJP leadership, both in Karnataka and Delhi, reacted strongly. Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said the move was “a dangerous precedent to silence patriotic voices.”
“RSS has contributed immensely to nation-building. The Congress is trying to divert attention from its governance failures by targeting the Sangh,” Bommai told reporters in Bengaluru.
Party workers held demonstrations outside the Vidhana Soudha, shouting slogans against the Congress government and accusing it of appeasing vote-bank politics.
High Court Hearing Underway
Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court is hearing a petition filed by RSS members challenging the restrictions.
The plea argues that denying permission for marches violates fundamental rights under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution — the right to peaceful assembly.
The court has asked the state government to submit a detailed affidavit on the security rationale behind the restrictions by the next hearing.
Legal experts suggest the case could become a benchmark for defining limits of public processions in politically charged environments.
Political Overtones and Public Response
Political observers note that this move may further polarize Karnataka’s political climate ahead of upcoming municipal elections.
Social media is abuzz with hashtags like #BanRSS, #StopAppeasementPolitics, and #ProtectDemocracy, trending simultaneously on X (formerly Twitter).
Analysts suggest the Congress may be testing national-level strategies ahead of the 2026 Lok Sabha polls, where ideological narratives could play a decisive role.
“This isn’t just about law and order; it’s about political positioning,” says Bengaluru-based political commentator Ramesh Mahadev. “Congress wants to assert secular credentials, while BJP sees an opportunity to rally its base.”
What’s Next?
The High Court’s verdict could come within weeks and will determine whether RSS can resume its marches under police supervision.
Meanwhile, the state government insists that its actions are “not anti-RSS but pro-safety.”
With tempers rising across political lines, Karnataka’s streets — and courts — are set for a charged November.
