Karnataka suspends 2 govt school teachers for participating in RSS marches

Yadgir education authorities suspended two government school teachers over alleged participation in RSS marches. The action coincides with Karnataka's push to regulate private use of government premises and public grounds.Karnataka suspends two government teachers over RSS march participation citing rules (Photo: ITG)Two government school teachers in Karnataka have been suspended for allegedly participating in Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) marches, with the action coming after an inquiry into their alleged violation of the Karnataka Civil Services Rules. The teachers have been identified as Anna Saheb Deshmukh, posted at the Government Lower Primary School in Kuppi, and Gururaj Joshi, a teacher at the Government Girls’ High School in Hunasagi.Deshmukh allegedly participated in an RSS march held in Hunasagi on October 10 last year, while Joshi was accused of taking part in an RSS march in Talikote in Vijayapura district on October 12 last year. The suspensions, ordered by the Yadgir Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI), followed an inquiry initiated on the basis of a complaint filed by Jummanna Gudimani, district president of the Ambedkar Swabhimani Sene.The education department held that the teachers’ participation in the RSS marches amounted to a violation of the conduct rules applicable to government employees. Suspension orders were subsequently issued against the two teachers.KARNATAKA CONSIDERS BILL TO CONTROL USE OF PUBLIC PROPERTYThe action comes as the Karnataka government considers legislation to regulate the use of government premises and public property by private organisations and groups. The proposed legislation seeks to establish a formal framework governing the use of government properties, including government schools, government-aided institutions, public grounds and other public premises. Under the proposed law, organisations would need prior permission from the competent authority before conducting programmes or using government property, irrespective of whether they are registered under any law.The move is likely to directly affect organisations such as the RSS, which conducts shakhas and other activities at public grounds and government school premises. Sources said the proposed legislation is aimed at ensuring that government spaces are not used for private or organisational activities without official approval.PRIYANK KHARGE HAD SOUGHT BAN ON RSS ACTIVITIESThe proposed legislation comes against the backdrop of the Karnataka government's earlier concerns over RSS activities in public spaces. Home Minister Priyank Kharge had last year written to then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking a ban on RSS activities in government schools, colleges and public spaces.In his letter, Kharge alleged that the RSS was conducting shakhas at government and government-aided schools as well as public grounds. He claimed that slogans were raised during such activities and alleged that “negative ideas” were being instilled among children and youth. Kharge had argued that such activities “go against India's unity and the spirit of the Constitution”.- EndsPublished By: Priyanka KumariPublished On: Aug 27, 2026 21:51 IST