Siddaramaiah declines participation in event linked to RSS amid controversy
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has issued a statement clarifying that he will not participate in the Bharatiya Sanskriti Utsava, organized by the Bharat Vikas Sangam, following criticism over his name being listed on the event’s invitation card.
In his statement, Siddaramaiah said, “I have noticed my name printed on the inauguration invitation of the Bharatiya Sanskriti Utsava organized by Bharat Vikas Sangam. I have not received any official invitation for this event. After reviewing the background details of the organization, I have decided not to participate.”
The Bharatiya Sanskriti Utsava is scheduled to take place in Sedam, Kalaburagi, from January 29 to February 6, 2025. The event, organized by Bharat Vikas Sangam, a group reportedly linked to RSS ideologue K.N. Govindacharya, has faced criticism for allegedly promoting Hindutva ideology under the guise of Indian cultural preservation.
The controversy began when the colorful invitation card for the event listed Siddaramaiah as the chief guest for the inauguration, alongside other Congress ministers and MPs. Critics, including writer and activist Shivsundar, called the event a platform for promoting an exclusive Hindu Brahmanical culture, equating it with Indian culture.
The invitation’s content further fueled the controversy, stating, “Hinduism is the lifeblood of our country... Our ancestors built temples and ashrams that united society. This event aims to counter cracks in this foundation by promoting a spiritual outlook.”
Shivsundar termed the Congress leaders' inclusion as a "constitutional betrayal" and urged the government to withdraw its association with the event. In addition to Siddaramaiah, the invitation had listed other prominent Congress leaders, including:
- Minister Priyank Kharge as chief guest for the inaugural session on January 29.
- Minister M.C. Sudhakar for an education-themed program on January 30.
- Agriculture Minister Cheluvarayaswamy for a session on February 1.
- Minister Sharanabasappa Darshanapur and MP Tukaram for sessions later in the week.
Responding to the uproar, Priyank Kharge denied receiving any official invitation, stating, “Our names have simply been added without our consent.” However, critics questioned how such listings were made without prior approval.
The event has also drawn participation from BJP leaders, Maharashtra government representatives, Telangana Congress members, and central government officials, including ISRO’s chairman.
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Karnataka police constable arrested for forging passport verification records
Mangaluru: A police constable attached to the Vitla Police Station has been arrested for allegedly forging documents and manipulating passport verification records to obtain a clearance certificate from the authorities.
Police said on Tuesday that a person identified as Shakti Das, who claimed to be residing within the jurisdiction of the Vitla Police Station, first applied for a passport in February 2025.
During police verification, it was found that the address mentioned in the application did not match official records, following which the application was not recommended.
In June 2025, Shakti Das reportedly submitted a second passport application. Police alleged that Pradeep, a staff member at the Vitla Police Station, processed the reapplication without informing the concerned beat constable, Sabu Mirji, who was responsible for verifying the applicant’s address.
Pradeep allegedly prepared a verification report in the name of the beat constable, forged his signature, secured approval from senior officers, and forwarded the report. He is also accused of destroying verification-related documents to conceal the irregularities.
As per the report, the matter came to light on December 19 during a scrutiny of records. Police said the acts amounted to criminal breach of trust, as a crucial identity document issued by the Central government was fraudulently obtained.
Police further said that Shakti Das claims to hail from West Bengal, and his address is currently being verified.
Based on the findings, Vitla Police have registered a case against Pradeep and passport holder Shakti Das under Sections 336, 337, 316(5), and 238 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
Pradeep has been arrested and produced before a court, which remanded him to judicial custody. Further investigation is underway, police said.
