Hassan (Karnataka) [India], October 15 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said that his government has taken action to restrict Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities and take appropriate steps if required, asserting that "no organisation should disturb people in public places".
Speaking to reporters in Hassan, Siddaramaiah said, "No organisation should disturb people in public places. Action has been taken in Tamil Nadu. We will examine it and take further action." His remarks came in response to questions about a proposal to impose restrictions on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in the state.
The move comes after Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge 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".
Meanwhile, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge said that he has been receiving threat calls over the past three days following his remarks on restricting Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities in government spaces.
"Yesterday, when I said that they are trying to intimidate me, the BJP said it was a publicity stunt. My fight is against the ideology. This ideology took the life of Mahatma Gandhi," Kharge said.
A day earlier, in a post shared on X, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge revealed that he has been receiving threatening and abusive phone calls, following his demand to restrict Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities in government spaces.
"For the past two days, my phone hasn't stopped ringing. Calls filled with threats, intimidation and the filthiest abuse directed at me and my family, simply because I dared to question and restrain RSS activities in government schools, colleges and public institutions," Kharge said.
Meanwhile, addressing queries regarding the long-pending local body elections and the possibility of a cabinet reshuffle, Siddaramaiah reaffirmed the government's commitment to conducting elections across all local bodies in a phased manner once the courts give the go-ahead.
"The government is ready to hold elections to all local bodies, including Taluk Panchayat and Zilla Panchayat. We will hold elections as soon as the court orders. All elections will be held in phases. Democracy is strengthened through elections," he said.
When asked about a potential cabinet reshuffle, the Chief Minister said, "Let the elections be over first, then we will see."