'Equal Rule For All': Expelled Karnataka BJP Leader Demands Namaz Ban In Public Spaces

'Equal Rule For All': Expelled Karnataka BJP Leader Demands Namaz Ban In Public Spaces

Expelled BJP leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal on Friday wrote to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah demanding a ban on offering Namaz in public places and government properties without prior permission.

In his letter, Yatnal argued that the “same principle of neutrality" should apply to all sections of society, in light of the state government's recent decision to introduce rules aimed at curbing RSS activities, including marches on roads and events held in public places and government premises.

Calling Namaz on roads an “obstruction" that causes “public inconvenience", Yatnal claimed it violates citizens' fundamental rights to free movement and safety under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution.

“In light of the recent decision of the Government of Karnataka restricting private organizations and non-governmental entities from using government properties, educational institutions, and public spaces for private or institutional purposes, it is essential that the same principle of neutrality and fairness be uniformly enforced across all sections of society," the expelled BJP leader wrote in his letter to Siddaramaiah.

“There should not be any special provision to offer Namaz in Government offices or any other Government aided institutions," he added.

His letter came a day after the Karnataka Cabinet announced new rules to regulate the use of public spaces, educational institutions, and government properties, measures widely seen as aimed at curbing activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and affiliated groups.

On Thursday, the Karnataka Cabinet said it would soon introduce new rules to regulate events held in public areas and on government premises. Minister Priyank Kharge had earlier urged the Chief Minister to ban RSS activities in such spaces, calling them contrary to constitutional values.

The government cited a 2013 circular issued during the previous BJP administration, which restricted use of school premises for non-educational purposes. By referring to the BJP's own order, the Congress-led government appeared to counter the opposition's criticism.

Karnataka Law Minister HK Patil had clarified that the move was not targeted at any one group but intended to ensure that public property is not misused. All organisations will now need formal permission to hold activities in public or government-run spaces.

(With inputs from PTI)

Source: News18
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