Tension in Chittapur ahead of RSS centenary march (For state page)

Amid the ongoing controversy over Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge’s letter to the Chief Minister seeking a ban on the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in public places, the RSS has planned a route march in Chittapur, Mr. Priyank’s home constituency, on Sunday, to commemorate the RSS completing 100 years.

However, municipal authorities, late on Friday night, removed decorative saffron flags, banners and buntings that had been put up for the event, triggering tension in the town, which had observed a complete bandh on Thursday in support of Mr. Priyank’s stand against the RSS and the Sangh Parivar.

Condemning the move, RSS supporters and workers staged protests, shouting slogans against the municipal authorities for taking down the saffron flags, buntings and banners that had been installed at prominent circles across Chittapur.

Speaking to The Hindu, Mallinath Aurad, district convener of the RSS, dismissed any link between the proposed route march and Mr. Priyank’s demand for banning RSS activities in public places.

“The march is part of the RSS centenary celebrations and to mark Vijaya Dashami. We have followed due process in seeking permission and have also paid ₹6,000 as fees for installing decorative flags and banners. Similar route marches have already been conducted in Chincholi, Afzalpur, Aland and Kamalapur taluks. The marches in Chittapur and Sedam are scheduled for Sunday,” Mr. Aurad said.

Chittapur Tahsildar Nagayya Hiremath clarified that permission for the event had not yet been granted, at the time of going to print.

“The RSS leaders submitted an application seeking permission for the route march. I have forwarded it to the police department seeking their opinion in view of the law and order situation. A final decision will be taken only after receiving the police report,” Mr. Hiremath told The Hindu.