BJP MPs defending people who are defying the service conduct rules: Priyank Kharge hits back at Tejashvi Surya

Priyank Kharge

Hours after BJP Member of Parliament Tejasvi Surya has launched a scathing attack on the Karnataka government following the suspension of a Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) for participating in an RSS event, Priyank Kharge hit back at the BJP leader for backing personnel who are acting against service rules.

On Saturday, Surya labelled the action by Karnataka government as an “act of high handedness" and assured that the order will be swiftly overturned. Speaking exclusively to CNN-News18, Surya, who is also a legal professional, confirmed he would personally intervene in the case, challenging the suspension before the relevant tribunal and court.

In his tweet, Kharge, citing service rules stated: “No Government Servant shall be a member of, or be otherwise associated with, any political party or any organization which takes part in politics nor shall he take part in, subscribe in aid of, or assist in any other manner, any political movement or activity.”

“It shall be the duty of every Government Servant to endeavour to prevent any member of his family from taking part in, subscribing in aid of or assisting in any other manner, any movement or activity which is, or tends directly or indirectly to be, subversive of the Government as by law established and where a Government Servant is unable to prevent a member of his family from taking part in, or subscribing in aid of or assisting in any other manner, any such movement or activity, he shall make a report to that effect to the Prescribed Authority,” highlighted the Congress leader.

The controversy revolves around the interpretation of service conduct rules, with Surya asserting that the state government’s action was based on their misinterpretation.

The MP concluded by reaffirming the resilience of the organisation. “This is a test in a series of challenges RSS has always been subjected to. Sangh has seen such challenges, and we will continue to grow stronger despite such challenges," he added, reiterating his commitment to see the suspension order reversed. “I will personally appear before the tribunal and court to challenge this suspension order."