Following an inquiry conducted by the Raichur Zilla Panchayat CEO, Arundhati Chandrashekar, the Commissioner of the Panchayat Raj Department issued a suspension order against a government officer for participating in an RSS Pathasanchalan. The move has triggered widespread debate, with many calling it politically motivated and discriminatory. According to India Today, BJP Yuva Morcha President Tejasvi Surya termed the action illegal and unlawful, assuring the suspended officer that he would personally represent him before the tribunal and the courts. Citing multiple high court judgments, Surya asserted that government servants have the right to participate in RSS programs and expressed confidence that the suspension would be quashed.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), established in 1925, has long been recognized as a pivotal force in upholding Bharatiya nationalism, unity, and Dharma. Through its extensive network of shakhas and social service initiatives, the RSS has consistently contributed to the preservation of cultural identity, the promotion of national integration, and the upliftment of marginalized communities. Its ideology emphasizes self-discipline, service to society, and devotion to the motherland, values that form the very foundation of the Bharatiya civilizational ethos. By nurturing millions of volunteers engaged in educational, environmental, and relief activities, RSS has reinforced the sense of Bharatiya identity and unity across caste, creed, and linguistic lines.
Why it’s not wrong for government employees to be part of RSS
The suspension of a government employee in Karnataka for participating in an RSS Pathasanchalan has reignited debate on administrative neutrality and constitutional rights. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is not a banned organization, and it has not been proven guilty of any unlawful activity. It is a cultural and nationalist organization dedicated to promoting social harmony, discipline, and national unity for nearly a century. Being part of the RSS does not imply political bias or anti-government activity; it reflects an individual’s personal commitment to a nation-first ideology, discipline, and community service, all of which align with the spirit of citizenship and duty enshrined in the Constitution.
What the courts have said
Multiple High Court and Supreme Court judgments have consistently upheld the right of government servants to participate in RSS activities, provided they do not misuse their official position or engage in political propaganda. For instance, the Kerala High Court (1970s), the Madhya Pradesh High Court (1980s), and the Bombay High Court (1990s) all ruled that association with the RSS cannot be treated as misconduct, as the organization is not a political entity in nature. Courts have reiterated that unless an employee’s involvement disrupts official duties or violates service rules, disciplinary action on ideological grounds is unconstitutional and arbitrary. The judiciary has made it clear: patriotism and service to society cannot be penalized.
By punishing officials for associating with the RSS, the Karnataka Government risks crossing the line from governance to political vendetta. The same administration remains silent when employees publicly associate with leftist or Islamist groups that often indulge in divisive or extremist rhetoric. Such selective action not only exposes political bias but also undermines the very principles of freedom of thought and equality before the law. The Constitution guarantees every citizen, including government servants, the right to believe, associate, and contribute to national causes. Targeting RSS participants while ignoring members of ideological organizations with extremist leanings is nothing short of hypocrisy and misuse of power.
In sharp contrast, the Karnataka Government’s decision, under the leadership of Priyank Kharge and Siddaramaiah, has been an act of political intolerance and the misuse of administrative power. The selective targeting of officials for merely taking part in cultural or ideological programs aligned with nationalist thought reflects a dangerous precedent of dictatorial governance. Instead of ensuring neutrality and fairness, the State appears to be weaponizing its authority against individuals who associate with organizations that have historically stood for Bharat’s cultural pride and unity.
What further intensifies public anger is the unequal treatment meted out to individuals associated with left-leaning or Islamist organizations such as the SFI, PFI, and Jamaath groups, which have often been linked to extremist and divisive activities. While members of such organizations are allowed to function freely, even within academic and administrative circles, those attending an RSS march face punitive action. This stark double standard exposes a deep-rooted political bias that undermines the principles of democracy and freedom of association.
If the government truly seeks impartiality, it must apply the same standards to all organizations, suspending officials associated with radical Islamist or extremist outfits just as it has done to one participating in the RSS. Until then, such actions will only fuel the perception that the Siddaramaiah government is targeting nationalistic voices while turning a blind eye to those fostering division and hatred. The incident not only raises questions about administrative fairness but also ignites a larger debate on ideological freedom and the right to uphold Bharatiya identity in modern Bharat.
State government’s political diversion amid governance collapse
In this case, the state government holds no legitimate grounds to act against an officer for participating in RSS activities, unless there is concrete evidence of criminal or anti-national behavior, of which no such evidence exists. The RSS, in its long-standing history, has never been proven guilty of unlawful acts, making these accusations nothing more than fabricated narratives and politically motivated propaganda. The suspension appears to be a deliberate move to malign an organization that has consistently contributed to nation-building and moral reform.
Simultaneously, the Karnataka government is grappling with a severe financial crisis, largely due to the unsustainable burden of freebie schemes and poor fiscal management. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, instead of addressing the worsening infrastructure, is spending much of his time delivering politically charged speeches filled with divisive and hateful rhetoric. Citizens across the state, particularly in Bengaluru, have been voicing strong resentment as the city continues to suffer from pothole-ridden roads, stalled civic projects, and a complete developmental standstill. For nearly two to three years, urban development has remained paralyzed due to a dearth of funds and misallocation of resources. To distract public and media attention from this alarming governance failure, the Congress-led state government appears to be weaponizing administrative power and playing dirty politics against the RSS, a move that many see as an attempt to dominate national headlines while suppressing growing dissent within Karnataka.
