Tensions Rise in Karnataka After Authorities Deny Permission for RSS March

Bengaluru/Chittapur | October 19, 2025 — Tensions have escalated in parts of Karnataka after district authorities denied permission to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to conduct a planned route march. The decision comes amid security concerns and the risk of communal friction, especially with rival groups announcing parallel demonstrations in the same region.

✅ Why Permission Was Denied

Officials in Chittapur and neighbouring districts cited law-and-order concerns as the primary reason behind the rejection. According to sources in the district administration:

• Multiple organisations, including the Bhim Army and the Indian Dalit Panthers, had also sought permission to conduct rallies around the same time and location.
• Police feared possible clashes if these groups assembled on overlapping routes.
• Local intelligence reports hinted at high community sensitivity ahead of upcoming festivals.

✅ Impacted Area

The primary conflict point is believed to be Chittapur in Kalaburagi district, with ripple effects expected across nearby taluks. Police forces have been placed on alert, and surveillance has been increased in sensitive zones.

Background: Why Was the March Planned?

The RSS was reportedly organising the march as part of its annual route programme, which typically includes:

• March-pasts with uniformed volunteers
• Patriotic slogans and cultural displays
• Speeches by local and regional RSS leaders

These events are usually framed as discipline-based cultural gatherings, but the political and ideological weight of the RSS often makes such events points of contention.

Counter-Mobilisation by Bhim Army & Dalit Panthers

Groups like the Bhim Army and Indian Dalit Panthers Organisation (IDPO) had planned parallel demonstrations, focusing on:

• Caste atrocities and social justice issues
• Opposition to right-wing mobilisation
• Demand for state action on marginalised communities

With both sides planning simultaneous gatherings, police reported heightened risk of confrontation, prompting administrators to decline permissions across all parties.

Political Reactions

The move has triggered sharp political responses across Karnataka:

🟠 RSS & BJP Camp

• Leaders have criticised the decision, calling it an “attack on democratic rights and cultural freedom.”
• Some RSS functionaries hinted at seeking legal permission or rescheduling.

🔵 Opposition & Dalit Groups

• Dalit organisations have welcomed the restrictions.
• Opposition leaders claim the state must ensure neutrality, not “appease any single group.”

⚫ Government’s Stand

Officials maintain that the decision is purely administrative, made to “prevent unrest, not restrict ideology.”

Security Measures in Place

To avoid escalation, authorities have implemented:

• Section 144 in select regions
• Increased police patrolling
• Deployment of RAF in sensitive pockets
• Close monitoring of WhatsApp and social media groups
• Local peace committee meetings

Senior police officers have also held talks with community leaders to prevent polarisation.

What’s Next?

There are three likely outcomes in the coming days:

1. RSS may appeal the decision legally or request a postponed march.
2. Administration could allow a restricted gathering under police supervision.
3. Protests over the denied permission may emerge if negotiations fail.

The situation remains sensitive, especially as key festivals and political events are approaching.

Conclusion

The denial of permission for the RSS march has triggered a politically and socially charged atmosphere in Karnataka. While officials insist it’s a preventive step to maintain law and order, reactions from political, caste-based, and ideological outfits suggest the issue is far from over.

If the state fails to balance sentiments on both sides, the situation could escalate beyond Chittapur, affecting neighbouring districts and possibly becoming a statewide flashpoint.