Police quell stone‑pelting at RSS march in Jalgaon, route proceeds peacefully in Karnataka

Police intervene after stone‑pelting disrupts RSS march in Jalgaon

On Sunday, 25 October 2026, a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Dussehra procession in Kingaon village, Yawal taluka of Jalgaon district, was met with resistance from local residents. Women from the community staged a sit‑in outside a mosque, and stone‑pelting was reported between the protesters and march participants.

Superintendent of Police Shreekant Dhivare told reporters that the procession had the required legal permission and that police spent about two to two‑and‑a‑half hours trying to persuade the demonstrators to allow the march to continue. When tensions escalated, a “mild lathi charge” was deployed to restore order. Dhivare said the situation returned to normal and that “several anti‑social elements” were taken into custody, though exact numbers were not disclosed.

Senior officers – Additional Superintendent of Police Sandeep Gavit and Divisional Police Officer Anil Badgujar – arrived on the scene, and additional forces were dispatched from Bhusawal, Yawal and Raver to reinforce security. The police confirmed that the route march concluded peacefully under their protection.

RSS route marches in Karnataka remain peaceful

The same day, RSS volunteers held Vijayadasami route marches in Hubballi and Belagavi, Karnataka. In Hubballi, the procession started at Nehru Maidan and circled the city’s main roads before returning to its origin. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, along with several BJP MLAs, took part in the event, which featured children dressed as historic figures and flower‑petal showers.

Belagavi’s march began at the Sardar High School Grounds, passing through Kittur Channamma Circle and other historic streets before concluding at the same venue. Local BJP leaders joined the participants, and the route was completed without any reports of disturbance.

Parallel political developments

While the RSS marches unfolded, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in Patna, Bihar, intensified his criticism of the Chief Election Commissioner, alleging “vote‑theft” in favour of the ruling party and calling for a nationwide protest on 1 November. Kharge also linked the alleged irregularities to the RSS, describing the ideology as a threat to peace. These statements underline the broader political contest surrounding the RSS’s cultural activities.

Maintaining public order

Police authorities in Maharashtra emphasised that lawful assemblies are respected when they follow authorised routes, and that swift, proportionate action is taken to prevent communal tension. The rapid deployment of senior officers and reinforcement teams highlights the administration’s commitment to preserving stability during high‑profile public events.

The incidents demonstrate the challenges of coordinating large‑scale cultural processions in diverse communities, while also reflecting the authorities’ ability to maintain order and uphold the rule of law.

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Key take‑aways

• Police used a mild lathi charge to disperse stone‑throwers in Jalgaon.
• Several protesters were arrested; the procession continued under police protection.
• RSS marches in Karnataka proceeded without incident, featuring senior Union and state leaders.
• Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge used the same day to criticise the election commission, linking the RSS to broader political grievances.

The situation remains under close monitoring, with additional police presence retained in Kingaon to ensure peace ahead of forthcoming festive events.