D. Raja welcomes State government’s intent to curb RSS activities on public premises

Communist Party of India (CPI) general secretary D. Raja on Saturday welcomed the Karnataka Cabinet’s decision to prevent trespassing of public properties by organisations such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), terming it a step towards safeguarding democratic institutions from ideological infiltration.

Addressing a press conference after participating in the CPI Karnataka State Council meeting in Bengaluru, Mr. Raja said the decision reflected the State government’s commitment to uphold constitutional values and secularism. CPI Karnataka State secretary Saathi Sundaresh was also present.

Mr. Raja alleged that the RSS had “systematically infiltrated” key institutions, including the judiciary, educational bodies, and the bureaucracy. “We have seen how some judges become Governors or hold other important posts after their retirement. Even appointments in universities and other educational institutions are under the close watch of the RSS,” he claimed.

Welcoming the decision, he said it would go a long way in curbing the ideological influence of the RSS within government offices, schools, and public establishments. “Government spaces must remain free from any organisation that promotes divisive or sectarian agendas. This move by the Karnataka Cabinet is a message that the State will not tolerate communal interference in public administration,” he said.

The CPI leader urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president D.K. Shivakumar to ensure stronger coordination among partners of the INDIA bloc in the State. “It is essential that all secular and democratic forces work together to counter the RSS-BJP combine politically and ideologically,” he said, adding that a meeting of like-minded parties should be convened soon to strengthen the unity of opposition forces.