Overview
- Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said there is no ban on the RSS and that the prior-permission order covers any organisation, citing a similar 2013 directive issued during Jagadish Shettar’s tenure.
- Justice MGS Kamal of the Karnataka High Court allowed the RSS to pursue a 2 November route march in Chittapur, directing a fresh application and administrative report after local officials earlier declined approval on law-and-order grounds.
- Authorities had cited the risk of clashes as other groups, including the Bhim Army and Bharatiya Dalit Panther, planned rallies in the area, and IT Minister Priyank Kharge defended holding back permission to prevent unrest.
- Siddaramaiah escalated his criticism of the RSS and “sanatanis,” accusing them of opposing B.R. Ambedkar and the Constitution, prompting the BJP to accuse the Congress government of deflecting from governance failures.
- The Chief Minister said cases will be filed against those who disturb communal harmony or spread false news, noting that ministers Priyank Kharge and H.K. Patil have reviewed legal steps as the government highlights improved policing in Dakshina Kannada.