Archive · 14 Aug 2026
BJP challenges Karnataka government to ban RSS activities
In the Indian state of Karnataka, there is a big argument between two political groups.
The group that runs the state government made a new rule about who can use government buildings and public spaces.
Another political party, called the BJP, thinks this rule is secretly meant to cause trouble for a group called the RSS.
The RSS is a very old organization that is now 100 years old and has many supporters.
A BJP leader named B.Y. Vijayendra told the Chief Minister to ban the RSS if he is brave enough.
He also asked the government to explain what bad things the RSS has done.
Vijayendra said that even when the RSS was banned in the past, it became stronger later.
He also complained that a government minister did not want to hoist the Indian flag on Independence Day.
Vijayendra thinks the government should instead focus on problems faced by poor people.
The two sides do not agree, and this is a big political fight.
BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra challenged Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Home Minister Priyank Kharge to ban the RSS if they had the courage to do so.
The challenge came a day after the Karnataka Cabinet approved the Karnataka Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Public Property Bill, 2026.
Vijayendra alleged the bill's real intention is to curb RSS activities and demanded the government clarify what anti-national activities the organisation has undertaken.
He cited history, noting the RSS was banned during the tenures of Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi but subsequently grew stronger.
Vijayendra also criticised Housing Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan for seeking exemption from hoisting the Tricolour in Vijayanagara district on Independence Day.
- Who
- BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Home Minister Priyank Kharge, and Housing Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan
- What
- The BJP challenged the Karnataka government to ban the RSS, alleging a new bill regulating government premises is aimed at curbing RSS activities.
- When
- Friday, a day after the Cabinet approved the bill, ahead of Independence Day on August 15
- Where
- Karnataka, India (with remarks made in Bengaluru)
- Why
- The BJP claims the government is politically targeting the RSS instead of addressing pressing issues facing the state and its people.
Karnataka government
BJP and RSS supporters
Regulation of government premises
Karnataka government
The Bill regulates use of government premises and public property by private individuals and organisations as a general governance measure.
BJP and RSS supporters
The BJP claims the Bill's real intention is to curb RSS activities, including making prior permission mandatory for public meetings.
Banning the RSS
Karnataka government
The government has not directly named the RSS in connection with the Bill, per the BJP's own statement.
BJP and RSS supporters
Vijayendra challenged the government to ban the RSS if it has courage and demanded clarity on what anti-national activities the RSS has undertaken.
Flag hoisting duty
Karnataka government
Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan sought exemption citing party organisational work and preparation for Assembly bypolls.
BJP and RSS supporters
Vijayendra said hoisting the national flag is a minister's duty and backing out shows disrespect to the post and the Tricolour.
- Bill
- Karnataka Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Public Property Bill, 2026
- Complainant
- B.Y. Vijayendra, BJP State President and MLA
- Government leaders named
- Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Home Minister Priyank Kharge
- Other criticism
- Housing Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan's request for exemption from flag hoisting
- Event
- Independence Day (August 15) flag hoisting in Vijayanagara district
- Historical reference
- RSS banned during tenures of Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi
- Location
- Bengaluru, Karnataka