RSS Holds Route March in Chittapur Amid High Security and Political Tensions | India News
Image Source: Internet
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) successfully held its route march in Chittapur on Sunday, following a state high court order that allowed the event to proceed with conditional approval. The march, which covered roughly one and a half kilometers, took place under the strongest security deployment the town has seen in months. The event has been a point of contention, with state IT-BT, rural development, and panchayati raj minister Priyank Kharge questioning the RSS's approach to law and procedure. Kharge, who is also the MLA for Chittapur, had initially raised objections to the march, citing concerns over the group's attempts to conduct activities on government land without proper approval. However, Kharge clarified that he never opposed the route march itself, but rather emphasized the importance of following the law and Constitution. He noted that the RSS has only now begun to follow the rules, a habit that has taken 100 years to develop. The RSS had originally planned the march in Kharge's constituency, but the district administration initially denied permission. The organisation subsequently approached the court, which ultimately allowed the event to proceed. The march has been a major political flashpoint, given Kharge's role in raising objections and the constituency's association with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. The event began at the Bajaj Kalyan Mantap at around 3 pm, with approximately 300 uniformed volunteers participating, accompanied by around 50 band members. The march was framed as part of the RSS's larger organisational activities. Local police officers reported extensive preparations for the march, including a significant security presence that reflected the prevalent tension. Authorities cordoned off the starting venue early, conducted inspections with bomb detection units and sniffer dogs, and set up surveillance cameras along the entire route. Senior officers, including the superintendent, additional superintendent, and deputy superintendent, were stationed at key points, with over 800 personnel deployed across the town. Additional forces from the State Reserve Police, District Armed Reserve, and Home Guards were also placed in sensitive areas. The preparatory work reflected concerns that the march could trigger tensions in a constituency with sharply-drawn political and ideological lines. For Priyank Kharge, the issue centres on legal compliance rather than the event itself, with the minister stating that the RSS will face punishment if they do not follow the conditions. The RSS, on the other hand, sees the march as a step towards greater accountability and adherence to the law and Constitution.
