Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and a sitting legislator, has stirred political controversy by comparing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to the Taliban and calling for a ban on its activities in the state. He alleged that just as the Taliban enforces its interpretation of Islam and restricts women&rsquo;s freedom, RSS tries to present Hinduism solely from its own perspective.
Yathindra further stated that RSS should be brought under legal regulation and formally registered, as it currently operates as a voluntary organization, enjoying certain legal exemptions. He also highlighted that RSS uses government premises to conduct its shakhas (branches), calling for an investigation into these activities.
In response, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he has instructed the Chief Secretary to examine how the Tamil Nadu government recently restricted political and religious activities in government buildings and schools, and whether a similar approach could be applied in Karnataka.
Earlier, Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge wrote to the Chief Minister on October 4, requesting a ban on RSS activities in state government properties and public spaces. Being the son of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Yathindra&rsquo;s remarks quickly became a politically charged issue.
The BJP reacted by sharing an old photograph of Mallikarjun Kharge attending an RSS event in Nagawara, Bengaluru, in 2002. BJP leader BY Vijayendra also wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that slogans like &lsquo;Bharat Mata Ki Jai&rsquo; echoing at RSS shakhas unsettle those who are used to slogans like &lsquo;Pakistan Zindabad.&rsquo;
Former Union Minister Bhagwant Khuba criticized Yathindra&rsquo;s comparison, calling it &ldquo;wrong and condemnable.&rdquo; He stated that RSS is a nationalist organization contributing to nation-building and character development, and linking it to the Taliban misrepresents its purpose.
The Karnataka government is now reviewing whether to restrict RSS shakhas and activities in government buildings and public spaces. The controversy has sparked a wider debate at both political and societal levels, highlighting tensions around the role of ideological organizations in public spaces.

Calls for ban on RSS activities in Karnataka and probes in government premises

Yathindra Compares RSS to Taliban

Calls for ban on RSS activities in Karnataka and probes in government premises

October 14, 2025 | 24:14 IST