Tahsildar Denies RSS Route March Permission in Priyank Kharge’s Constituency Over Law and Order Concerns

Authorities in Karnataka’s Chittapur town have denied permission for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to hold a route march scheduled for Sunday, citing potential threats to public order and multiple event requests from other groups on the same day.

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Permission Rejected Citing Security Concerns

Tahsildar Nagayya Hiremath issued an official order refusing permission for the RSS’s proposed path sanchalan (route march) in Chittapur, the home constituency of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge.

In a letter to RSS leader Prahlad Vishwakarma, who had applied for the march, Hiremath noted that two other organisations — Bheem Army and Dalit Panthers — had also sought permission to conduct a roadshow in the same area on Sunday. Authorities expressed concern that allowing multiple events could lead to communal tension or clashes, prompting the decision to withhold permission.

“The police have advised that granting permission may disturb public peace and law and order. Hence, the request is declined in the interest of maintaining harmony,” the Tahsildar’s order stated.

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Preparations Halted Amid Political Reactions

RSS members had already begun setting up Bhagwa flags, banners, and buntings across Chittapur in anticipation of the event. However, municipal officials reportedly removed these decorations early Saturday morning, stating that the installations lacked prior approval.

The action triggered sharp criticism from BJP leaders, who accused local authorities of acting under political influence. Some leaders alleged that Minister Kharge was attempting to turn his home constituency into a “Republic of Chittapur”, curbing the activities of other organisations.

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Administration on High Alert

The administration also denied permission to other groups, including Bheem Army and Dalit Panthers, to hold processions on the same day. Superintendent of Police Addur Srinivasulu visited Chittapur on Saturday night to review security arrangements and directed officials to ensure peace and prevent any flare-up.

Local police have deployed additional personnel and are monitoring social media activity for inflammatory content.

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Broader Context

The denial comes amid heightened sensitivities around public marches and processions across Karnataka, particularly in politically charged regions. Officials say maintaining law and order remains their top priority ahead of the festive season, while opposition leaders accuse the government of selective restrictions.