Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge questioned the legal status and financial transparency of the RSS. He demanded the organisation clarify its constitutional compliance, stating he would apologise if they provide valid papers and proof of registration.
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Wednesday intensified his criticism of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), questioning its legal status and transparency. Kharge reiterated his demand for clarity on the organisation's constitutional and financial compliance. He also asserted that if the organisation provides valid clarification and "papers," he would apologise, while maintaining that accountability must apply equally if the claims are not substantiated.
'Show Us the Papers'
Speaking to ANI, Kharge said, "The letter is very clear... they have done over five hundred marches wearing uniforms in my state, and on a daily basis, they have over four thousand shakhas. All I am asking is when they are not a registered organisation, under which law you are functioning?... I don't see anything illogical or unconstitutional in what I have asked... If you have the papers, then hit them on the face."
"If the clarification turns out to be correct, then I will say sorry. If their clarification is not correct, then they should say sorry. I have not written about anything in that letter saying it should be banned or that the Karnataka government is banning it... When did I ask for the Hindu religion to be registered? This organisation and let any organisation exist, it should function only under the constitution," he further said.
Open Letter Seeks Legal and Financial Clarity
Earlier on Monday, Kharge wrote an open letter to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), seeking clarity on its legal status, financial transparency and constitutional accountability as the organisation marks 100 years of its existence.
In his open letter, Kharge said an organisation that claims to have over 60,000 shakhas and crores of swayamsevaks in India and abroad has a significant presence in public life and, therefore, must be held to the "highest standards of transparency, accountability and constitutional compliance".
Citing the annual report for 2025-26 released by the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS), the RSS' highest decision-making body, Kharge said the organisation has a substantial footprint in Karnataka, with 4,127 daily shakhas, 1,389 weekly milans and 60 monthly mandalis. "Such an extensive organisational presence, especially when it involves regular public mobilisation, uniformed route marches and large-scale social outreach, 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," Kharge said in the letter.
The Congress leader requested the RSS to depute its authorised office-bearers to explain the legal grounds on which an organisation of such magnitude continues to function "without being formally registered as a legal entity or as a body of individuals under the applicable laws." (ANI)
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