Raichur, Karnataka – A Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) in Karnataka has been placed under suspension after participating in an event organised by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), sparking a political controversy over government employees’ right to engage with ideological organisations.

The suspended officer, Praveen Kumar KP, who is posted in Sirawar Taluk Panchayat, attended a route march organised by the RSS in Lingsugur on October 12. According to reports, he was seen dressed in the RSS’s traditional attire, prompting the state administration to take disciplinary action.

The suspension order, issued by IAS officer Arundhati Chandrashekar, cited a violation of Rule 3 of the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021. The rule mandates that government employees maintain political neutrality and integrity in their official and personal conduct. The order described Kumar’s participation as “inconsistent with the standards expected from a public servant.” A departmental inquiry has been initiated, and the officer will remain under suspension with subsistence allowance until further notice.

The action follows a broader directive from Karnataka’s Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister, Priyank Kharge, who had written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking disciplinary measures against government employees associated with the RSS or participating in its programmes. Earlier this week, the state cabinet also decided to restrict the activities of private organisations, including the RSS, in government and government-aided schools, colleges, and public spaces.

The suspension has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition BJP. Karnataka BJP chief Vijayendra Yediyurappa accused the Congress government of targeting Hindu organisations and misusing administrative machinery for political ends. He stated, “This is nothing but a perverse and anti-Hindu mindset of the @INCKarnataka party, driven by malice. You have started misusing the government machinery, and we too know the strategy to bring it back on track.”

Yediyurappa added, “This vindictive suspension must be immediately revoked with an apology, or else an appropriate response will be given through constitutional means within the democratic system to counter this divisive politics.” He also described the incident as the “beginning of an assault on patriotic sentiments using the government machinery.”

The development has ignited debate in Karnataka over the boundaries of political neutrality for government employees, and whether participation in ideological or cultural events constitutes a breach of conduct rules. While the Congress government maintains that the suspension is a routine enforcement of civil service conduct standards, the BJP has positioned the matter as an ideological issue, reflecting broader tensions in the state’s political landscape.