1. Karnataka Cabinet moves to restrict RSS activities in government institutions, public spaces The Karnataka Cabinet has decided to issue an order preventing trespassing of public properties by organisations such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, said Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil on October 16, 2025. The decision follows IT-BT and RDPR Minister Priyank Kharge’s letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking a ban on activities of the RSS on public properties as well as on the premises of government educational institutions. Meanwhile, upping the ante against the RSS, Mr. Kharge wrote to the CM seeking an official circular warning government officials of disciplinary action if they associate themselves with the activities of the RSS and other organisations, which is in violation of Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules 2021. The rules ban government officials from being a member of or having any link with any political party or organisations that take part in politics, funding political campaigns, or extending assistance to them. 2. Infosys founders Narayana Murthy, Sudha Murty refuse to take part in Karnataka caste survey Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and his wife Sudha Murty have declined to take part in the Social and Educational Survey in Karnataka, saying they do not belong to any backward caste, sources in the BBMP said on October 16, 2025. When enumerators came for the survey a few days ago, the couple reportedly told them, “We don’t want the survey conducted at our home.” In a signed self-declaration letter, she said, “Due to some of my personal reasons, I am refusing to provide information in the Social and Educational Survey....” She also reportedly wrote in Kannada, “We do not belong to any backward community. Hence, we will not participate in a government-conducted survey meant for such groups.” 3. Ban on entry of Kaneri mutt seer to Vijayapura district for two months Vijayapura district administration in Karnataka has banned the entry of Sri Adrushya Kadasiddeshwar Swami of Kaneri mutt in Kolhapur in Maharashtra for two months. The Kaneri mutt seer was supposed to visit Vijayapura district on October 16 and 17 during the death anniversary of Sri Siddarameshwar swami in Basavana Bagewadi. The seer faces complaints and protests by several Lingayat and other organisations for allegedly using abusive language against Lingayat seers who are seeking recognition for a separate religion. He also said the seers deserve to be beaten with slippers. The two-month ban is to prevent possible law and order problems. 4. Sales executive from Solapur in Maharashtra arrested for threat call to Priyank Kharge The Sadashiva Nagar police in Bengaluru have tracked down Dhanappa (40) — a sales executive working for an FMCG company — for allegedly making threats and abusive calls to Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge for demanding a ban on activities of the RSS. Based on a complaint, a police team tracked down the accused to his hometown — Solapur in Maharashtra — through call record details. They have taken him into custody to ascertain the reason for making the calls, and how he got Mr. Kharge’s number. Published - October 16, 2025 06:35 pm IST