Siddaramaiah Denies Targeting RSS

Mangaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday stated that the latest order requiring organizations to obtain permission before conducting operations in school and college premises does not specifically mention RSS anywhere.

Speaking to reporters in Puttur, Siddaramaiah said: “The government has not banned the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The order states that any organization or association must take permission. We have only reiterated an order first issued by the BJP government. If they do this, it is fine, but is it wrong when we do this?” he asked.

The Prime Minister also pointed out that in 2013, when Jagadish Shettar was the Chief Minister, the government issued an order banning organizations from operating within educational institutions.

“Jagadish Shettar now says that the Education Ministry gave the order and not him. But this order was actually given when he was serving as the Chief Minister,” Siddaramaiah said.

He also added that it is not mandatory to grant permission. “There is no rule that all establishments must be given permission. Whether permission is granted or denied depends on the law and order situation,” the Prime Minister said.