Karnataka Home Minister Tells RSS to Get Formal Permit for Route Marches

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge has asked the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh to get formal police clearance for its Vijayadashami route marches in Bengaluru on October 25. He stated that simply informing the Home Department or asking for cooperation is not the same as getting official permission for the event.

March Details and Logistics

Writing on X, Mr. Kharge asked the group to submit a proper application and wait for approval from the right authorities. He referred to the RSS Annual Report for 2025-26, noting that the organisation held 562 route marches across Karnataka with 2,21,963 participants in uniform. He pointed out that police need time for security, traffic management, food arrangements, and staff deployment when thousands of members march on the same day.

Past Tensions

Mr. Kharge shared two letters from the RSS about proposed marches from Apollo National School ground in Laggere and in Mahalakshmi Layout. The Minister and the RSS have a history of disagreements over the group's registration, funding, and membership. In June, he wrote to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat asking for details on its legal identity and finances. The Karnataka Cabinet also cleared a Bill in August requiring prior permission for events and processions on government property.

Context

Route marches held by large volunteer organisations require significant public resources and police planning to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow. Local authorities routinely evaluate public gatherings to manage security concerns in urban areas.