Bengaluru, 14 August

The ruling Congress and the BJP locked horns on Friday over the proposed Karnataka Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Public Property Bill, 2026, which many believe will target the RSS. It was cleared by the Cabinet on 13 August.

The proposed bill states that several private organisations, associations and groups have been utilising public premises and government property such as lands, playgrounds, parks, community halls and public roads for conducting activities without obtaining prior permission or even informing the authorities concerned. Hence, it seeks to empower the Deputy Commissioner or Superintendent of Police the power to grant of refuse permission claiming such activities can potentially disturb communal harmony and create law and order situations. 

While the BJP leaders alleged that this bill was aimed to target the RSS, Home Minister Priyank Kharge countered that no organisation has been named. But Priyank has been seeking to curb RSS activities in government schools, colleges, and public spaces.

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said any event organised in a public place requires permission even if government is organising it.

But Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka dared Kharge to ban the RSS.

“Let him ban it. The RSS has seen many people like him. Nothing is going to happen just because someone shouts about it,” Ashoka told media.

BJP State President B Y Vijayendra reminded Shivakumar that he had sung the RSS anthem ‘Namaste Sada Vatsale’ inside the Assembly but now he is showing his “true colours”.