The Karnataka government versus RSS battle doesn’t seem to be dying down any time soon as now minister Priyank Kharge has again lashed out at the BJP for backing those who are part of the government machinery, and yet are participating in RSS programmes. On BJP MP Tejasvi Surya‘s threat of a legal battle, the son of Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge shared a detailed post of what the law states.
He had previously voiced opposition to RSS events and programmes in schools, and other government institutions. He also called for the complete ban on the BJP’s ideology organisation’s programme at government institutions, instigating a political debate.
Now, on Tejasvi backing an official suspended because he participated in an RSS event, Kharge said, “Hmmmmm…… interesting that BJP MPs are coming forward and defending people who are defying the service conduct rules laid down by the State Govt. This itself proves my point.”
What the rule says
Priyank Kharge went on to state what the rule says about this. He mentioned that no “government servant shall be a member of, or be otherwise associated with, any political party or any organization which takes part in politics nor shall he take part in, subscribe in aid of, or assist in any other manner, any political movement or activity,” as per the law.
“‘It shall be the duty of every Government Servant to endeavour to prevent any member of his family from taking part in, subscribing in aid of or assisting in any other manner, any movement or activity which is, or tends directly or indirectly to be, subversive of the Government as by law established and where a Government Servant is unable to prevent a member of his family from taking part in, or subscribing in aid of or assisting in any other manner, any such movement or activity, he shall make a report to that effect to the Prescribed Authority,'” he added in the post,
Kharge added that if any point, any question arises whether a party is a political party or whether any organization takes part in politics or whether any movement or activity falls within the scope of sub-rule (2), “the decision of the Government thereon shall be FINAL,” he added.
Tejasvi calls suspension ‘unlawful’
Quoting a report of Karnataka Panchayat Development Officer being suspended for participating in an RSS event, Tejasvi Surya said he spoke to the official and assured him that he would get all support from the BJP.
“I have spoken to the officer suspended for taking part in RSS Pathsanchalan by the State Government. Assured him that I will personally appear before the concerned tribunal and courts to challenge this illegal and unlawful suspension,” he said.
“There are multiple judgments from across high courts which have upheld government servants’ right to participate in RSS programmes. I have no doubt that this unlawful suspension will be quashed,” he added, saying that “if the Siddaramaiah government wants a legal battle, we will give it one”.
What is the row over RSS?
Priyank Kharge had opposed any RSS event or programme at government schools or at any other institution, stating the two should be kept separate. CM Siddaramaiah and several other leaders backed the demand, irking the BJP.
The saffron party said the organisation has continued in India’s freedom and Congress government’s action is against the beliefs of others. BJP said the statements reflect Congress’s “perverse and anti-Hindu mindset”.
“This is nothing but a perverse and anti-Hindu mindset of the Karnataka Congress party, driven by malice. You have started misusing the government machinery; we know the strategy to bring it back on track,” BJP Karnataka chief Vijayendra Yediyurappa said.
