Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Oct 19: Tensions escalated in Karnataka as a Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) in Raichur was suspended for participating in a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) programme, intensifying the controversy over the state government’s reported plan to ban RSS activities on government properties.

Praveen Kumar K P, serving in Sirwar taluk of Raichur district, was suspended by the RDPR department on October 17 after attending an RSS rally in Lingasugur on October 12 while wearing the Sangh uniform.

The suspension, issued following a departmental inquiry, cited Rule 3 of Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021, which mandates political neutrality and discipline for government officials.

Praveen also serves as an assistant to BJP MLA Manappa Vajjal from Lingasugur.

Representational image

The suspension sparked strong criticism from the BJP and RSS. BJP state president B Y Vijayendra demanded the revocation of Kumar’s suspension, warning that the party would respond strongly if the government did not comply. He claimed that the RSS had obtained prior permission for its “Patha Sanchalana” event in Chittapur and other locations, including putting up buntings, posters, and flags, which were subsequently removed by authorities.

Assembly opposition leader R Ashoka echoed the criticism, stating that the organisers had paid the prescribed fee and received permission from the Town Municipal Council, questioning minister Priyank Kharge’s role in the removal of materials. Ashoka remarked, “Does Priyank think he is the Nizam of the region? If Priyank thinks such acts please Gandhis, he is dreaming. This act of Emergency will not last longer.”

RSS plans marches in Chittapur, Bantwal, Byndoor, Gubbi, and Kunigal, among other locations, as part of their ongoing outreach.

Meanwhile, BJP MP and Yuva Morcha national president Tejasvi Surya assured legal support to the suspended PDO, saying, “Multiple judgments from across high courts have upheld government servants’ right to participate in RSS programmes. I have no doubt that this unlawful suspension will be quashed. If the Siddaramaiah government wants a legal battle, we will give it one.”

The incident has intensified the political row in Karnataka, highlighting tensions over government neutrality, freedom of expression, and the role of ideological organisations in state affairs.