Karnataka govt. asks RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat to send representatives to explain legal status on registration of organisation

Published 15 June 2026 · india

Seeking legal grounds on which the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is functioning, Home Minister Priyank Kharge has formally written to RSS sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat to

Seeking legal grounds on which the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is functioning, Home Minister Priyank Kharge has formally written to RSS sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat to depute authorised office-bearers to explain how the organisation of such magnitude functions with anonymity and without being formally registered as a legal entity or as a body of individuals under the applicable laws. Quoting the 2025-2026 report of the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha, the highest decision-making body of the RSS, the Minister said that the organisation has significant footprint in Karnataka, with 4,127 daily shakhas, 1,389 weekly milans, and 60 monthly mandalis.

“Such an extensive organisational presence cannot be treated as a private or informal arrangement. It raises legitimate questions about legal status, accountability, financial transparency, public order, permissions, sources of funding and compliance with the Constitution and laws of India,” said Mr. Kharge, who has earlier questioned the legal status of RSS. In Karnataka, according to the report quoted by the Minister, the RSS conducted 2,194 samajotsavas, drawing 19.61 lakh participants, organised 562 route marches, usually covering 2.5 to 3 km with 2.21 lakh uniformed participants. “These figures show a vast, disciplined and deeply embedded network operating across Karnataka through daily cadre building, weekly and monthly outreach, mass public events and uniformed route marches,” he added.

Stating that in a constitutional democracy, no organisation can remain above scrutiny, he said that it is only fair and necessary that the RSS places information in the public domain. “An organisation that regularly evokes nationalism, discipline and duty must also demonstrate these values through transparency, compliance and respect for the Constitution,” he said. Kharge said: “The RSS cannot ask ordinary Indians to follow rules while exempting itself from the same standards. If workers, small associations, religious institutions, NGOs, trusts, companies and citizens are expected to register, disclose, audit and pay taxes, then the RSS too must set an example by abiding by the rules of the land.” He said: “We therefore call upon the RSS to use the occasion of its centenary not merely for celebration but for constitutional introspection.

The best tribute it can pay to India is to register itself, disclose its activities and finances, pay all applicable taxes and function as transparent and accountable organisation within the framework of Indian law.”