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Expelled Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal on Thursday lambasted Karnataka Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge, saying that the Congress leader has "gone mad".
Yatnal further labelled Kharge's remarks in a letter to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, demanding action against government officials participating in events organised by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as being "against Hindus". "There's provision for government employees participating in RSS programs, and the centre has also given no objection to this. Priyank Kharge has gone mad. That's why he is giving such a statement against Hindus and RSS. When we (BJP) come to power in Karnataka, we will make a new provision for ease of government employees participating in RSS programs," Yatnal told reporters. His remarks follow Kharge's letter to CM Siddaramaiah, urging him to take action against 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 that CM Siddaramaiah issue a circular warning stating that disciplinary action would be taken against officials who violate these rules. "It has been requested to strictly prohibit the government officers and employees of the state from participating in the programs and activities organised by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and other organisations and to issue a circular stating disciplinary action against the violators," he wrote. Earlier, Priyank Kharge had urged 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". (ANI)
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