A day after the Karnataka High Court stayed the Siddaramaiah government’s order banning Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh path sanchalan, the administration has faced backlash again for issuing notices to four Aurad teachers for participating in RSS events.
The state government landed in another controversy over disciplinary action against four government school teachers who participated in an RSS procession in Karnataka’s Bidar district earlier this month.
The teachers, identified as Mahadev, Shalivan, Prakash, and Satish, all from Aurad taluk, were issued official show-cause notices by the Block Education Officer (BEO) after their participation in the RSS path sanchalan on October 7 and 13 came to light.
The move follows a formal complaint lodged on October 27 by local Dalit Sena leaders, who demanded immediate disciplinary action.
Acting on the complaint, the BEO issued the notices the very next day, citing violation of Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules.
What the Notice Says
According to the notice, the teachers were seen participating in the RSS events, with photos and videos circulating widely on social media.
It reminds them that government employees are barred from taking part in political or religious activities while in service.
The notice read, “You were involved in the RSS path sanchalan held in Aurad taluk in Bidar district on October 7 and 13. Videos and photos of this have been widely circulated on social media. As you are a government employee, you cannot participate in any political or religious activity. By participating in this procession, you have acted against government service regulations.”
The teachers have been asked to submit a written explanation to the BEO’s office. Failure to do so will invite disciplinary action under the Karnataka Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1957.
Political Reactions and Backlash
The notices have sparked a political storm, especially coming days after the Karnataka High Court stayed the state government’s earlier order banning RSS path sanchalans across the state.
The court had observed that the restrictions appeared “politically motivated” and inconsistent with constitutional freedoms.
BJP leaders have accused the Congress government of continuing its anti-RSS stance despite the judicial rebuke.
“The government is now targeting ordinary teachers for attending cultural and nationalistic processions. This is nothing but political vendetta,” said a senior BJP functionary.
Journalist Rahul Shivshankar also commented on the development, and posted on X.
“THE UNDECLARED EMERGENCY? Four Karnataka government teachers served notice for participating in RSS Path Sanchalan. The action follows a complaint filed by Dalit Sena leaders on October 27, demanding disciplinary measures against the teachers,” his post read.
Divided Opinions
Supporters of the RSS have defended the teachers, arguing that the RSS is a cultural organisation, not a political party. They maintain that participating in such events cannot be considered a violation of service rules.
However, Dalit organisations and Congress allies have supported the government’s decision.
“When teachers take part in a religious or ideological event, it sends a wrong message. The law must be followed,” said a Dalit Sena leader who was part of the complaint.
A Growing Rift
This incident marks yet another flashpoint in the ongoing tussle between the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government and the RSS.
Critics say the government’s repeated attempts to regulate or restrict RSS activities — through administrative orders or disciplinary action — show a pattern of political bias.
As the controversy deepens, questions are once again being raised about the fine line between administrative discipline and political overreach in Karnataka’s charged political climate.
