Police permission sought for over 60 RSS marches across Bengaluru

Home Minister Priyank Kharge said the RSS had to seek “permission” rather than merely “inform” the police.

Ahead of their Vijayadashami route marches on October 25, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has submitted over 60 applications across the city, and the Bengaluru police are granting permissions to those that comply with standard procedures.

The RSS march applications became a talking point after Home Minister Priyank Kharge took to social media to share two communications from the RSS that “informed” the police of the proposed marches in the city. He said the RSS had to seek “permission” rather than merely “inform” the police.

Mr. Kharge stressed the need for the police to make arrangements for logistics, food, traffic management, and other requirements, as the rallies involve lakhs of participants across the State.

However, his statement drew flak, as it was seen as another face-off between Mr. Kharge and the RSS, recalling the initial denial of permission for a route march in November 2025 in the Chittapur constituency, which Mr. Kharge represents. The controversy, however, ended after the court intervened and permission was eventually granted with specific conditions.

This time, however, Mr. Kharge brought the context as he cited the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha Annual Report 2025–26 to point out that over two lakh “uninformed participants” took part in more than 562 route marches in Karnataka. He said arrangements for such large gatherings were necessary; thus, prior “approval” is needed, not “information.”

Accordingly, the Bengaluru city police are now granting permissions for applications filed in accordance with the rules.

A senior police officer told The Hindu that most of the applications had been cleared for permission. “No extra or specific directions are being followed for RSS applications. Organisers have been asked to seek permission through the standard application procedure for large gatherings, and only those marches are being granted permission,” the officer said.

Police sources said applicants were directed to submit applications clearly stating the name of the organiser and at least five volunteers, along with their contact information.

“Further, they have to furnish the approximate number of participants, a route map, the reason for the marches, and the type of march.” If these details are provided, permissions are being granted,” the officer said.