BHOPAL, SEPTEMBER 14: The BJP government in Madhya Pradesh has formally cleared its employees to take part in the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, saying that the RSS is a socio-cultural organization and not a political entity. In doing so, it has only formalized what it has been practising for close to three years.

RSS men have been appointed to several key positions and all BJP leaders, including ministers, openly attend RSS functions. “What ban? There was no restriction on taking part in RSS activities,’’ said RSS leader Kantilal Chhatar. “We never felt the ban. In any case, RSS inculcates cultural values.’’

The ban was imposed by the Congress party first in 1981 and revived in 2000, threatening employees with disciplinary action under the M P Civil Service (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules of 1966 if they were found attending RSS shakhas. Section 5 (1) of these rules prevents employees from becoming a member of any political party or organisation which takes part in political activities. They are also not allowed to take part in political agitations or fundraising.

CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan issued orders revoking the ban last month but it became public only on Thursday. The one-line order says the restrictions imposed by the civil service rules are not applicable to the RSS. “The ban was imposed out of prejudice,’’ he said.

In New Delhi, former Chief Minister Digvijay Singh said, “When the Congress is celebrating the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi’s satyagrah, the BJP is glorifying an ideology that led to his murder.’’ He said the decision could even “help” the party by marking out employees “close” to the Sangh Parivar. “When the Congress comes to power, it will take care of such employees,’’ he said.

Former CM and BJP rebel Uma Bharati echoed this: “It’s a very immature and stupid decision. Those who wished to take part in RSS activities were doing so anyway in my time and during the Congress tenure but by issuing a formal order, the Chouhan government has ensured that the next dispensation will again revoke it.’’ Said Congress general secretary Manak Agrawal: “By allowing employees to attend RSS shakhas the BJP government was out to increase membership of a communal organization.’’

Leader of Opposition Jamuna Devi felt the government’s step would whip up communal passions. “Law and order situation will worsen if the administration is saffronised,’’ she said.