Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], October 31 (HBTV): Chhattisgarh Minister Gajendra Yadav on Thursday criticised Congress leader Priyank Kharge’s remarks on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), urging him to first visit a shakha and then decide whether the organisation should be banned.
Yadav described Kharge’s comments as being 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 earlier 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 in the day, the Karnataka Minister wrote a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, requesting action against officials participating in RSS programmes.
Referring to Rule 5(1) of the Karnataka Civil Service (Conduct) Rules, 2021, which prohibits government employees from being part of any political party or engaging in political activity, Kharge alleged that officials had violated this rule by taking part in RSS 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 programmes and activities organised by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and other organisations in recent times, despite the clear direction,’ Kharge stated in the letter.
He further requested CM Siddaramaiah to issue a circular warning that disciplinary action would be taken against officials violating these rules.
(ANI)