CM Siddaramaiah Clarifies: No Ban on RSS, Order Applies to All Organisations in Educational Institutions

Mangaluru, Oct 2025 : Amid allegations that the Karnataka government is targeting the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday clarified that the state government has not imposed any ban on the RSS.

Addressing the media in Puttur town of Mangaluru district, the Chief Minister said that the recent order issued by the Education Department regarding permission for conducting activities in school and college premises does not mention the RSS by name.

“The order only refers to ‘any organisation or association,’ not the RSS specifically,” Siddaramaiah explained. “We have merely reiterated an order that was originally issued by the previous BJP government. If they could do it, why can’t we?” he asked.

He further reminded reporters that in 2013, when Jagadish Shettar was the Chief Minister, a similar order had been issued prohibiting organisations from conducting activities in educational institutions. “Now, Shettar claims that the order was issued by the Education Department, not him. But the fact remains—it was passed during his tenure as Chief Minister,” Siddaramaiah said.

Defending the move, the Chief Minister said that granting or denying permission to organisations depends on the prevailing situation and law-and-order requirements, and there is no obligation to approve every request.

Later, speaking at the inauguration of the Ashok Janamana 2025 programme, Siddaramaiah urged citizens to contribute a portion of their earnings to support the underprivileged, calling it a “noble act.”

“Our country must embody unity in diversity and become a garden of peace for all communities,” he said. “A society plagued by internal conflict and inequality cannot prosper. We must practice tolerance, coexistence, and respect for other religions—only then can the objectives of the Constitution be truly fulfilled.”

The Chief Minister warned against those who provoke communal violence for political gain, saying such people never send their own children into harm’s way. “They push the poor and innocent to the front lines. We have now appointed efficient officers, and there has already been improvement,” he asserted.

Siddaramaiah also took aim at the Centre over GST policies, claiming that Karnataka had incurred a loss of ₹15,000 crore due to changes introduced since 2017. “The government now reduces GST and calls it a Diwali gift. But over the past eight years, taxes have been systematically looted,” he alleged.

Reiterating his government’s commitment to communal harmony, Siddaramaiah said special attention would be given to maintaining peace in Mangaluru, which has witnessed communal tensions in the past. “Strict action will be taken against anyone spreading false news or disturbing communal peace. Ministers Priyank Kharge and H.K. Patil have already reviewed legal measures to ensure order,” he said.

The Chief Minister concluded by emphasizing that peace and inclusivity are essential for Karnataka’s development, reaffirming his government’s stand on protecting social harmony while upholding constitutional values.