Will Karnataka CM, cabinet ministers attend RSS event in Sedam, Kalaburagi?
Bengaluru: Discussions have arisen around the participation of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his cabinet ministers in the Bharatiya Samskruthi Utsava -7, organised by the Bharat Vikas Sangam, a foundation established by K.N. Govindacharya, an RSS ideologue. The event is scheduled to take place in Sedam, Kalaburagi, from 29 January to 6 February 2025.
The event invitation states:
"Hinduism is the lifeblood of our country. 'Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah' is the principle: those who protect dharma are protected by dharma. Our ancestors built temples and ashrams that united and stabilised society. However, this foundation is now showing cracks. This event aims to counter such issues by promoting a spiritual outlook to alleviate modern-day pressures and build a positive mindset."
Critics, including thinker Shivsundar, have labelled the event as an extreme Hindutva gathering. He claimed it promotes the RSS's ideology of equating "Indian culture" solely with "Hindu Brahmanical culture."
Reports allege that the Congress-led Karnataka government is officially endorsing the event. According to the 52-page colourful invitation, several Congress leaders, including ministers and MPs, are listed as participants:
- CM Siddaramaiah is set to inaugurate the event on 29 January 2025.
- Minister Priyank Kharge will participate as a chief guest on the same day.
- Minister M.C. Sudhakar will preside over the education-themed programme on 30 January.
- Agriculture Minister Cheluvarayaswamy will preside over the agriculture-themed evening on 1 February.
- Small scale Industries Minister Sharanabasappa Darshanapur will attend as a chief guest on 3 February.
- Congress MP Tukaram and KKRDB Chairman Ajay Singh will participate in the closing ceremony on 4 February.
The event will also see participation from BJP ministers, Maharashtra government representatives, Telangana Congress officials, and several central government heads, including ISRO's chairman.
Shivsundar urged the Congress government to distance itself from the event, which he termed a "constitutional betrayal" aimed at pushing RSS's Hindutva agenda. He demanded that the CM clarify his stance and withdraw official support.
The organisers of the event, Bharat Vikas Sangam, are reportedly led by Basavaraj Patil Sedam, a former BJP state president and RSS propagandist. The organisation is considered an RSS affiliate operating under its ideological framework.
Minister Priyank Kharge responded to the controversy, stating, "We have not received an official invitation or information; our names have simply been added." However, critics question how such names could be included without consent. They demand that listed ministers issue clarifications or ask for their names to be removed.
Meanwhile, the government is yet to officially address the matter, leaving room for speculation.
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Patna-bound IndiGo flight makes emergency landing at Lucknow due to bad weather
Lucknow (PTI): Adverse weather forced an IndiGo Kolkata-Patna flight to make an emergency landing at Lucknow airport on Friday, airport sources said.
According to airport officials, weather conditions in Patna deteriorated suddenly on Friday afternoon, affecting flight operations.
IndiGo flight 6E 6917 from Kolkata, which was scheduled to land in Patna at 3.50 pm, could not land due to bad weather and kept circling in the air after failing to get clearance from air traffic control, they said.
The flight was later diverted to Lucknow and landed safely at the Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport at around 5.15 pm. There were 180 passengers and six crew members on board, officials said.
The aircraft was later allowed to depart for Patna after weather conditions improved.
