A panchayat officer in Karnataka suspended for attending an event organized by the BJP’s ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). This occurred days after the state Congress government introduced rules to limit the group’s activities in public areas. The state BJP condemned the suspension, criticizing the Congress’s “perverse and anti-Hindu mindset.”
Karnataka officer suspended by RDPR
Praveen Kumar KP, a Panchayat Development Officer from Sirwar taluk in Raichur district, suspended by the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) Department on Friday for taking part in an RSS centenary event. He attended an RSS route march in Lingsugur on October 12, wearing their uniform and carrying a stick.
The suspension order, issued by IAS officer Arundhati Chandrashekar, stated that Kumar’s actions violated civil service conduct rules that require political neutrality and discipline. A departmental inquiry has initiated, and the officer will remain suspended with subsistence allowance until further notice.
Suspension occur due to violation of Rule 3 of the Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021
Kumar violated Rule 3 of the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021. This rule requires government employees to maintain political neutrality, integrity, and conduct appropriate for their position. The order also mentioned that his conduct did not meet the standards expected from a public servant.
BJP Karnataka chief Vijayendra Yediyurappa criticized the Congress, stating that the suspension was an “assault on patriotic sentiments” using government resources.
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