No Discussion Yet On Banning Groups Like Bajrang Dal: Karnataka Minister

The Congress's Karnataka election manifesto had said that the party was committed to acting against organisations like the Bajrang Dal and Popular Front of India (PFI).

Karnataka Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday said that no discussions have taken place so far about banning organizations like Bajrang Dal since the Congress government assumed power in the state. He emphasised that any comments made on this matter could be opinions and were given in response to media inquiries.

Mr Parameshwara's comments were prompted by a question regarding a reported statement from his cabinet colleague Priyank Kharge suggesting that the government could ban groups such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Bajrang Dal if they disturbed the peace.

"No discussions regarding this have taken place. In our manifesto, we mentioned Bajrang Dal and PFI, stating that we would take action, potentially to the extent of banning them if they disrupt peace. Beyond that, no discussions have taken place," said Mr Parameshwara.

When addressing reporters, Mr Parameshwara underscored that opinions might have been shared when the media asked, but such matters need thorough discussion. "When the situation arises, the government will discuss and decide," he said. Mr Parameshwara is among the eight ministers recently inducted into the cabinet led by Siddaramaiah on May 20.