Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], October 16 : Chhattisgarh Minister Gajendra Yadav on Thursday criticised Congress leader Priyank Kharge's remarks on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, calling him first to visit a 'Shakha' and then decide whether the RSS should be banned or not.
Yadav termed Kharge's remarks as of a "distorted mindset".
"What can we do for people with a distorted mindset? I feel he should go to an RSS 'shakha' and see if they can decide whether it should be banned or not," the Chhattisgarh Minister said.
Priyank Kharge had 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".
Earlier today, the Karnataka Minister wrote a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging him to take action against the officials participating in RSS programs.
Referring to Rule 5(1) of the Karnataka Civil Service (Conduct) Rules, 2021, which does not permit government employees to be part of any political parties and participate in political activity, Kharge alleged that government officials have violated the rule by taking part in RSS's activities."As per Rule 5(1) of the Karnataka Civil Service (Conduct) Rules, 2021 for Government servants in the State of Karnataka, the following rule is already in force. No Government servant shall be a member of, or otherwise associated with, any political party or any organisation engaged in politics, or shall take part in any political movement or activity, shall not be solicited for its support or shall render any assistance thereto. It has been observed that government officials and employees are participating in the programs and activities organised by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and other organisations in recent times, despite the clear direction," Kharge stated in the letter.
He requested CM Siddaramaiah to issue a circular warning that disciplinary action will be taken against officials who violate these rules.