Karnataka Erupts: Priyank Kharge Demands Crackdown on RSS-Linked Government Employees

In a move that has sent ripples through Karnataka's political landscape, senior Congress leader Priyank Kharge has issued a fiery challenge to the ruling BJP, demanding stringent action against government employees with alleged links to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Kharge’s demand is no mere political rhetoric; it's a strategically wielded weapon forged from historical directives.

He has unequivocally cited two crucial government circulars that, for decades, have explicitly prohibited government servants from participating in activities of organizations like the RSS. The first dates back to 1966, a landmark circular issued by the then Mysore government under the stewardship of S.

Nijalingappa, which unequivocally barred state employees from associating with the RSS. This powerful directive was subsequently reinforced in 2000 during S. M. Krishna’s tenure, a move that reiterated and solidified the ban.

The Congress stalwart didn't mince words, directly questioning the incumbent BJP government's glaring inaction.

"These circulars are still very much valid and in force," Kharge declared, "So, why isn't the government implementing them? What is holding them back from ensuring administrative neutrality and adherence to established rules?" His remarks have put the BJP on the defensive, forcing them to address long-standing questions about the extent of RSS influence within the state's bureaucracy.

Kharge further elaborated on his stance, highlighting the curious position of the RSS.

"The RSS is not a registered political party, yet its members seem to exert significant influence within government circles," he observed. This distinction, he argued, makes the circulars even more pertinent, as they aim to prevent non-political organizations from permeating and potentially politicizing the administrative machinery.

The Congress leader didn't stop there.

He launched a direct accusation, alleging that the BJP has been systematically politicizing the state administration. This, according to Kharge, has led to a worrying scenario where the loyalty of civil servants could be divided, potentially compromising their impartial duty to the state. His call for accountability is sharp and clear: will the current government uphold its own rules and take decisive action, or will it continue to overlook these foundational directives, effectively sanctioning external influences within the bureaucracy?

This latest salvo from Priyank Kharge is part of a broader, persistent campaign by the Congress party to highlight what they perceive as the undue influence of the RSS within governmental structures.

It echoes similar concerns raised by other prominent Congress figures, including former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, underscoring a continuous political tug-of-war over the nature of administrative independence and political affiliation in Karnataka. The debate surrounding RSS members in government service is a long-standing one, and Kharge's recent demands have undeniably reignited this crucial discussion, promising further political fireworks in the days to come.