BJP Criticises Karnataka Government Over Suspension of Teachers for Attending RSS Event
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticised the Congress-led Karnataka government following the suspension of two government school teachers in Yadgir district. The teachers were suspended for allegedly participating in a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) route march, prompting accusations from the opposition of political vendetta and the misuse of state machinery.
The Karnataka Education Department issued the suspension orders on August 27, targeting Gururaj Joshi, an assistant teacher at the Government Girls’ High School in Hunasagi, and Annasaheb Deshmukh, the headmaster of Kuppi Government Lower Primary School in Surpur taluk. The disciplinary action stems from their alleged participation in an RSS 'Path Sanchalan' held at Hunasagi on October 10, 2025.
Opposition Condemns Disciplinary Action
Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi condemned the state government's decision, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the suspension orders. He alleged that the action reflects a vindictive and hateful approach toward individuals associated with the RSS. Joshi also noted that courts have previously intervened when government employees faced disciplinary action for participating in RSS activities, questioning the legal basis of the current proceedings.
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy also questioned the government's decision, asking what wrongdoing the teachers had committed by attending the event. He questioned whether their participation had caused any harm or led to any disruption of peace.
Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R. Ashoka, described the suspensions as condemnable. He argued that the teachers attended the route march during their personal time and questioned whether government employees are permitted personal freedom outside of their official duties. Ashoka accused the ruling Congress party of attempting to intimidate and silence individuals who hold differing political ideologies.
Government Cites Civil Services Conduct Rules
The Karnataka state government has defended the suspensions, stating that the actions were taken in accordance with established service rules. According to the Education Department, the teachers' participation in the event prima facie violated the provisions of the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021. The department confirmed that the suspension orders were issued pending a formal departmental inquiry.
During the preliminary disciplinary process, Deshmukh reportedly argued that the event took place outside of his official working hours and was a social and cultural programme rather than a political one. However, the Education Department rejected this explanation. The department had previously issued notices to both teachers seeking their explanations before finalizing the suspensions.
Karnataka's Minister for Home, IT, and BT, Priyank Kharge, supported the Education Department's decision, stating that the department holds the authority to take action if an employee's participation in an organisation or event violates service rules. Kharge stated that the matter remains within the purview of the Education Department to initiate action as they see fit.
