"Govt should decide, not my personal stand": G Parameshwara on Priyank Kharge's call to ban RSS in schools, colleges

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 13 (ANI): Responding to Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge's letter urging Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to ban RSS programmes in government schools and colleges, Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara said that the decision rests with the government, not individual ministers.
While speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Monday, Parameshwara said, "I have seen in the media that a letter has been written saying that the program should not be allowed in government premises. I don't know, will they discuss it with the Chief Minister or will they also tell the Chief Secretary to take action and check it? If it comes to our department, we will check it. There is no room for suo motu now; let's check it after the bandh. Why should my personal stand be asked? This is not a question of my opinion; the government should decide."
Addressing criticism over his past presence at an ABVP event, the Minister clarified, "I was not involved in the ABVP program. Who said that a procession was going on? Was it wrong to have your hands crossed at that time? Was it wrong to bow to freedom fighter Abbakka Devi? I don't know what to say if it is wrong. The BJP should say something -- I had given a clarification then."
Dr. Parameshwara emphasised that any request for event permission would be evaluated within the legal framework. "If we ask for permission, we will give it after looking into the legal system. If the government bans us from giving permission, we will go accordingly. We have not made any law that permission should be taken before proceeding. We will tell you all this when you write a letter to us and forward it," he said.

On speculation about leadership changes, Siddaramaiah said, "I have said this casually. Anyone can become one. There are many aspirants, we all say Jai to whoever the high command decides for."
Earlier today, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma strongly criticised Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge's demand to ban RSS activities in government schools, colleges, and state-owned temples, and asked on what basis such things are being said.
Speaking to ANI, Chhattisgarh Deputy CM said, "If people of an organisation that allowed the partition of India on religious lines say such things... Kisan Sangh and ABVP are two of the biggest organisations in the world. There is a complete chain of the biggest organisations in the world. On what basis are such things being said?"
Meanwhile, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Sunday urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to bar RSS activities in government schools, colleges, and state-owned temples, accusing the organisation of "brainwashing young minds" and promoting a "philosophy against the Constitution".
He criticised the RSS, saying, "'Hindu khatre me hai, bacha zyaada paida karo,' yet its members remain bachelors. Why can't they marry and practice what they preach?"
Speaking to ANI, Kharge said, "I have requested the CM that RSS activities should not be allowed in government schools and colleges... RSS's activities brainwash young minds, which is not helping the nation or society. I've written to the CM to not allow RSS activities or their 'Baithaks', even in archaeological temples or state-owned temples. Let them do it in private homes... We have no problem with that but you can't use government grounds for their mass brainwashing... If this philosophy were so good, why aren't the BJP leaders' children involved in it? How many BJP leaders' children have taken Trishul Diksha? How many BJP leaders' children are Gaurakshaks and Dharam Rakshaks? How many BJP leaders' children come out in the open during any communal disturbance? RSS philosophy is only for the poor."
He added further criticism of the organisation's practices, saying, "The RSS people say 'Hindu khatre me hai, bacha zyaada paida karo', but they remain bachelors. Why can't they marry? Why can't they practice what they preach? This entire philosophy is against the Constitution. They are the ones who refused the Constitution and who want Manusmriti as the Constitution. How many BJP leaders practice the Manusmriti in their homes? Let them practice in their homes and then come and preach to others..." (ANI)