Karnataka HC Allows RSS To Hold Chittapur March On November 2 After Siddaramaiah Govt's Denial

The Karnataka High Court on Sunday allowed the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to hold its march in Chittapur on November 2 after the state government denied the permission, citing law and order issues. While hearing a petition filed by an RSS member, Justice MGS Kamal asked the state government how it planned to organise the event. The court also emphasised that the state government must ensure that everyone's sentiments are respected. Earlier on Saturday, the BJP leaders stated that the state government deliberately denied permission to RSS; however, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted that the organisation had not sought permission to hold any march.

However, the court also pointed out that along with the RSS, the administration also denied permission to other organisations, including the Bhim Army and Bharatiya Dalit Panther, due to law and order issues. Ashok Patil's (convenor of RSS Kalaburagi) counsel asserted that the organisation has answered all the queries raised by the district administration, adding that similar events were held in other states peacefully. The petitioner further agreed to hold the event on November 2.

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War Of Words Between Congress And BJP

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah later clarified that the RSS did not seek permission to hold the rally. "What we have done is that all organisations must obtain permission. That rule was framed during the tenure of the BJP government led by Jagadish Shettar. We have just repeated it. When the rule was brought during the BJP government, why didn't they do anything? Why did they not oppose?" the chief minister clarified.

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However, BJP President Vijayendra Yediyurappa accused the government of imposing a situation similar to an emergency in the state. "It seems that Minister Priyank Kharge holds deep admiration for the dark history of the Congress Party, which once imposed Emergency on the country. This is perhaps why he is attempting to recreate an Emergency-like administration in Kalaburagi district, using Chittapur as a testing ground," Yediyurappa stated in his post.