The Aryavarth Express
Bengaluru: Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Sunday criticized Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs for defending a state government officer who was recently suspended for allegedly participating in a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) training event, in violation of civil service conduct rules.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Kharge argued that BJP leaders defending the official demonstrate disregard for existing government service rules. “Interesting that BJP MPs are defending individuals who are violating the conduct rules set by the State Government. This itself proves my point,” he posted.
Kharge highlighted provisions from the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021, which prohibit government employees from being affiliated with political organizations or participating in political activities. He further cited the rule stating that if any question arises about whether an organization is political in nature, the government’s decision on the matter shall be final.
The officer in question was reportedly suspended for attending an RSS ‘Pathshala’, prompting BJP MP Tejasvi Surya to publicly defend the individual. However, state Home Minister G. Parameshwara supported the disciplinary action, stating, “Officials in government service are not supposed to participate in such organisations while in official capacity.”
Earlier, Kharge had written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging strict enforcement of the conduct rules. In his letter, he cited Rule 5(1) and raised concerns over increasing participation of government officials in programs organized by the RSS and similar groups.
Kharge requested the Chief Minister to issue a circular reiterating the rules and warning of disciplinary action against violators. He also advocated for banning RSS activities in state-run schools, colleges, and temples, arguing that such activities promote ideologies contrary to constitutional values and could influence young minds inappropriately.
The incident has once again brought the debate over the neutrality of government servants and the role of ideological organizations in public institutions to the forefront in Karnataka’s political discourse.
