Karnataka suspends two teachers for RSS participation

The Karnataka Education Department has suspended two government school teachers, Gururaj Joshi and Anna Saheb Deshmukh, for their alleged participation in Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) route marches, known as Patha Sanchalana.

The suspensions, issued by Yadgir Deputy Director of School Education Channabasappa Mudhol, follow allegations that the teachers participated in events in October 2025. The department stated that their involvement prima facie violated the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021, citing dereliction of duty.

The teachers have defended their actions, arguing that the marches were cultural rather than political and took place on Sundays outside of official working hours.

The move has drawn sharp criticism from political figures. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and BJP MLA Mahesh Tenginakayi condemned the suspensions as politically motivated and an act of repression against Hindu organizational activities. Conversely, the disciplinary action followed complaints from the Ambedkar Swabhimani Sene.