K'ntka govt official engages in RSS event; activists demand suspension

Raichur: Following a government official’s participation in the guard of honour of RSS here in Karnataka, social activists posed a severe protest and demanded the official’s suspension. Protesters wrote to Karnataka Chief Secretary as well as the Panchayat Raj Minister, stating that the official was triggering social disharmony.

The official is identified as Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) Praveen Kumar K, who is currently in deputation as personal assistant (PA) of the BJP MLA of Lingasugur, Manappa Vajjal.

Kumar was reportedly seen dressed like an RSS worker, wearing the communal organisation’s uniform and holding a stick in his hand, while participating in the organisation’s guard of honour.

It was trade union leader HM Babu who wrote to the government. He demanded that Kumar be immediately suspended for participating in RSS activity and violating government rules.

Last day, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had directed the state government to examine the steps taken by Tamil Nadu regarding the ban on RSS activities in government institutions. The action came after Minister Priyank Kharge wrote a letter demanding a ban on RSS activities in government institutions and government-controlled areas.

The letter dated October 4 by Priyank Kharge, son of senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, pointed out that RSS programs organised in the names of Shakha, Sanghik and Baithak, including in schools, are misleading students and youth. He pointed out that slogans against the unity and integrity of the country are raised in such programmes. Priyank Kharge also demanded in the letter that the government should not give permission to shakhas in government and aided schools, parks, temples and grounds.