Priyank Kharge alleges threats after urging ban on RSS activities in govt premises
Bengaluru: Karnataka Minister for Information Technology and Biotechnology Priyank Kharge has alleged receiving multiple threatening phone calls and abusive messages following his recent demand to restrain the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in government-run institutions.
In a post on X, Kharge stated that he and his family have been subjected to harassment over the past two days. He said he was “neither shaken nor surprised” by the intimidation tactics, adding, “When the RSS didn’t spare Mahatma Gandhi or Babasaheb Ambedkar, why would they spare me?” He asserted that such threats and “personal jibes” would not silence him.
The controversy began after Kharge wrote to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urging a ban on RSS shakhas (branches) and related activities within government schools, colleges, and public premises. In his letter, Kharge accused the RSS of spreading “negative thoughts” among students and promoting an ideology that contradicts the secular and democratic principles of the Constitution.
His remarks have triggered sharp criticism from the opposition BJP, which accused him of engaging in a “publicity stunt” and showing “foolishness.” Responding to the backlash, Kharge reiterated his stance, declaring, “This has just begun.” He called for building a society based on the ideals of Buddha, Basavanna, and Babasaheb Ambedkar — one grounded in “equality, reason, and compassion” — to, as he put it, “purge this nation of the most dangerous viRuSS.”
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has acknowledged receipt of Kharge’s letter and has reportedly directed the Chief Secretary to examine the issue and take suitable action. The state government is said to be studying the legal feasibility of such a move, drawing reference from a similar framework implemented in Tamil Nadu.
For the past two days, my phone hasn’t stopped ringing. Calls filled with threats, intimidation and the filthiest abuse directed at me and my family, simply because I dared to question and restrain RSS activities in government schools, colleges and public institutions.
— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) October 14, 2025
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Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
