"Should ask RSS about timing of march": Priyank Kharge on centenary march in Chittapur

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 19 (ANI): Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Sunday alleged that the RSS had been quiet for a long time and suddenly requested permission for the march after he received abusive calls and death threats from their goons.
Speaking with ANI, he emphasised that abusing public representatives could embolden others to engage in similar behaviour. Priyank Kharge requested the RSS to submit documents of their association and questioned why they chose to hold the march at this time.
"You should ask the RSS about the timing of the march. They kept quiet for so long, and suddenly, when I got abusive calls and death threats from their goons, they wanted to prove a point and do the march there themselves... If you're going to abuse the public representative, other people and organisations will also get encouraged or emboldened to do all these things. It's my duty to ensure that nothing untoward happens...," he told ANI.
The Karnataka government has denied permission for a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) centenary march in Chittapur, citing concerns over law and order. The local authorities denied permission for the RSS march, citing concerns over maintaining law and order.

"If the march is going to be held by any association, please submit the documents of the association where they are registered. No local person has approached for permission. Just some people from the headquarters have written to the police saying that we are doing this is the route march... The situation is peaceful...," added Kharge.
Kharge, who represents the constituency, said the current environment is not conducive to such an event, alleging that the RSS, which he claimed has a record of disregarding the law, had issued death threats to the sitting MLA.
The remarks came after the Karnataka High Court directed the RSS to file a fresh petition on November 2 while hearing its plea for permission to conduct the march. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on October 24.
The Minister also pointed out that other organisations, including the Bhim Army and Dalit Panthers, had also been denied permission for marches.
"More than three organisations have asked to do a march past in Chittapur. And all three have been declined by the local authorities, citing that everybody is asking at the same time...RSS is not the only one that's been denied permission. The Bhim Army and Dalit Panthers have been denied permission. A citizens' forum has been denied permission. Whatever it is, we will do as per the law...," Priyank Kharge told ANI.
The Minister emphasised that the government would follow the law and ensure that no untoward incidents occur.
"The Environment is also not favourable because the RSS abused the sitting MLA there and gave him death threats... And RSS, as usual, did not adhere to the law. They went to court seeking permission for this unlawful gathering. Even the court has denied for law and order. Maintaining law and order is the responsibility of the local authorities and the state government. If the state government does not deem it fit, they can deny the permission and consider the request another time...," he added.
The row over the RSS sparked in Karnataka when Priyank Kharge earlier requested a ban on RSS activities in government schools, colleges, and state-owned temples
Earlier, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge informed that the state is mulling new laws against the RSS and has decided to strengthen the existing laws of non-participation of government employees in any political activities. (ANI)