Siddaramaiah Issues ‘Sanatani’ Warning As Karnataka RSS March Row Escalates

Last Updated:October 19, 2025, 19:47 IST

BJP has accused the Congress government of targeting the RSS to distract from its own failures

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah. (Image: PTI/File)

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has stirred a political storm with sharp remarks against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and those he called ‘sanatanis’, urging people to stay away from them and remain cautious of their influence.

Speaking at the silver jubilee celebrations of Mysore University on Saturday, Siddaramaiah accused the RSS and its affiliates in the Sangh Parivar of opposing Dr BR Ambedkar and the Constitution he drafted.

“Keep your company right. Associate with those who stand for society, not with those who oppose social change or with sanatanis," he said.

Referring to a recent incident where a shoe was hurled at Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, Siddaramaiah claimed it was done by a ‘sanatani’, and said it showed that orthodox elements still exist in society.

“This act should be condemned not just by Dalits but by everyone. Only then can we say that society is moving on the path of change," he added.

The Chief Minister also accused the BJP and RSS of spreading false claims that Congress defeated Ambedkar in elections. “The truth is what Ambedkar himself wrote in his own handwriting—‘Savarkar and Dange defeated me.’ Such truths must be placed before society to expose the falsehoods of the Sangh Parivar".

BJP Accuses Karnataka Govt Of ‘Diverting Attention’

Meanwhile on Sunday, the BJP has accused the Congress government of targeting the RSS to distract from its own failures. Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi welcomed a Karnataka High Court directive on an RSS route march in Chittapur, where local authorities had denied permission.

Leader of Opposition R Ashoka claimed the Congress was creating “unnecessary controversies" around RSS activities to hide issues like industry slowdown and infrastructure problems. He alleged that the Congress supports those who “hail Pakistan" and opposes those who chant “Bharat Mata Ki Jai".

Ashoka warned that actions against the RSS could backfire and urged the Congress to “understand what the RSS truly does". He added, “We have never imposed restrictions on any organization’s programmes, while in power. Similarly, the Congress should also behave. They should first understand what the RSS’ activities are."

Meanwhile, Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge, defending the state government’s decision, said permission was denied to avoid potential law and order issues in Chittapur—his home constituency. He also said the High Court had only asked RSS to reapply, and not granted final approval.

The Congress-led Karnataka government recently made it mandatory for any organisation to seek prior permission before using public property for events, seen by many as a move aimed at curbing RSS marches.

JD(S) leader and Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy also accused Congress of “raking up" the RSS issue to divert public attention.

(With inputs from PTI)

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