Cong minister demand for ban on RSS activities in Karnataka a publicity stunt, says Fadnavis
Amravati, Oct 13 (PTI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday dismissed as a "publicity stunt" Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge's demand for a ban on RSS activities in government institutions and public premises in the southern state.
Talking to reporters in Amravati, Fadnavis insisted the Congress minister does not have any standing of his own to demand a ban on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities in Karnataka.
"Priyank Kharge is making such statements just for publicity. He does not having any standing of his own and his politics is dependent on his father (Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge)," said the BJP leader.
He was responding to a question on Karnataka Minister for Electronics, Rural Development & Panchayat Raj Kharge calling for a statewide ban on RSS activities in government institutions and public premises, claiming such activities violate India's unity and the Constitution.
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Fadnavis asserted the Nagpur-headquartered RSS is a patriotic outfit driven by nationalistic thinking.
"I want to remind him (Priyank Kharge) that in the past efforts were made to ban the RSS and it was banned, too (on three occasions). (Then Prime Minister) Indira Gandhi had also banned the RSS (in 1975), but she had to lose power (in 1977 polls post-Emergency). The RSS is a 'sanskritik shakti' (cultural power) and a patriotic organisation inspired by nationalistic thinking. We don't pay attention to such publicity stunts," the CM opined.
Kharge has made the demand in a letter written to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. In the letter dated October 4, Kharge alleged the RSS has been conducting its 'shakhas' in government and government-aided schools, as well as on public grounds, where "slogans are shouted and negative ideas are instilled in the minds of children and youth."
Fadnavis was in Amravati in eastern Maharashtra to preside over a review meeting of the BJP called to take stock of preparations for the upcoming local body elections.
The CM informed that the BJP, which heads the ruling Mahayuti alliance, is conducting region-wise reviews of its preparations for the long-pending elections to rural and urban civic bodies, including Mumbai and Nagpur municipal corporations.
ALSO READ: Priyank Kharge urges CM Siddaramaiah to ban RSS activities in government institutions, public spaces
The party has completed review meetings in Marathwada, North Maharashtra, Western Maharashtra, Konkan and Amravati divisions. The process will be completed for Nagpur by Monday evening and then preparations for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation will be assessed and the exercise will be completed by next week, he stated.
In reply to a question, Fadnavis expressed confidence that the Mahayuti, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP, will put up a good show in the local body elections.
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Govt's reform trajectory will continue with even more vigour in coming times: PM Modi
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the government's reform trajectory will continue with even more vigour in the coming times as it is committed to boosting 'Ease of Living'.
The prime minister made this observation on a series of posts by the central government on its various reform initiatives.
"Ours is a Government committed to boosting 'Ease of Living' and this thread below gives examples of how we have worked in that direction. Our reform trajectory will continue with even more vigour in the coming times," Modi said.
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With the hashtags #ReformInAction & #GoodGovernance, the central government said in the posts that the real test of reform is whether it reduces stress for people and 2025 marked a clear shift in governance, with reforms focused on outcomes, not complexity.
Simpler tax laws, faster dispute resolution, modern labour codes, and decriminalised compliance reduced friction for citizens and businesses alike. The emphasis was on trust, predictability, and long-term growth, showing how well-designed policy can quietly improve everyday life, the posts by MyGovIndia said.
For millions of Indians, tax relief became real. Incomes up to Rs 12 lakh attract zero tax. Middle-class families now retain more of what they earn, giving them flexibility to spend, save and invest with greater confidence, it stated.
It said the Income Tax Act, 2025 streamlined compliance and brought clarity, transparency, and fairness to the direct tax system, making it more taxpayer friendly and aligned with today's needs.
Small businesses can now grow without fear of losing benefits. Higher investment and turnover limits allow MSMEs to expand while retaining access to loans and tax incentives. This encourages scaling up, hiring more workers, and building stronger local enterprises
Rural employment now creates assets, not just wages. With extended guaranteed employment and a focus on village infrastructure, rural labour is now building permanent assets that strengthen communities and livelihoods, it said.
It observed that workers no longer need to navigate dozens of laws as 29 labour laws were simplified into four clear codes covering wages, safety, social security, and relations.
Rights are clearer, compliance is easier, and women benefit from assured maternity and workplace protections, it stated.
The government also stated that GST has been made simpler for businesses and consumers alike.
With streamlined tax slabs, easier registration, automated processes, and faster refunds, the next generation of GST reforms is improving ease of doing business.The impact is clear in record Diwali sales of Rs 6.05 trillion and the strongest Navratri shopping in over a decade, it said.
It also said that businesses can now bring products to market faster.
With rationalised Quality Control Orders, Indian manufacturers face lower compliance costs, improved efficiency, and greater strength in global markets. More room to grow for Indian businesses, the government said in the posts.
The expanded definition of small companies reduced compliance burden and costs, allowing enterprises with turnovers up to Rs 100 crore to focus on innovation and expansion, it added.
