Not legally registered, yet one of India’s most influential organisations: RSS row intensifies

New Delhi: The political confrontation over the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) escalated in Karnataka after Congress leaders renewed their demand for the organisation to disclose its legal status, financial records, and organisational structure.

Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge questioned whether the RSS is formally registered and sought clarity on its funding sources and accountability mechanisms. He argued that organisations operating at scale must comply with constitutional and legal norms on transparency.

Backing his position, Karnataka Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah said no organisation should be exempt from laws governing registration and financial disclosure. He questioned the claim that the RSS functions purely as a cultural organisation while operating large-scale public programmes.

Questions raised on transparency and assets

Yathindra Siddaramaiah also raised concerns over the RSS’s assets and funding sources, stating that organisations managing large networks and properties must be accountable under law.

He said public disclosure was necessary, especially when organisations are involved in large-scale mobilisation and activities across the country. He also argued that no institution can claim exemption from legal scrutiny based on ideology or identity.

Priyank Kharge defends demand for accountability

Priyank Kharge defended his stand, saying the demand was based on publicly available information and constitutional principles.

“Is it wrong to ask for transparency? Is it wrong to ask organisations to function under the Constitution?” he said while speaking to reporters in New Delhi.

He also pointed to the scale of RSS operations, including its shakhas and mass mobilisation programmes, questioning why such activities should not fall under formal regulatory oversight.

BJP strongly rejects allegations

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly opposed the Congress leaders’ remarks, accusing them of targeting the RSS for political gain.

Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka said the Congress lacked moral authority to question the organisation and defended the RSS’s work.

“The RSS has dedicated itself to the service of Mother India for nearly 100 years without seeking anything in return. Questioning its legality and patriotism is not only laughable but also shameful,” he said.

He also alleged that the Congress was raising the issue to divert attention from governance challenges in Karnataka.

Counter-arguments from BJP leaders

Karnataka Legislative Council Opposition Leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy criticised Priyank Kharge and questioned his approach, suggesting he should instead address issues within his own party.

He also referred to Mahatma Gandhi’s post-Independence suggestion about transforming the Congress into a public service organisation, asking why similar demands were not being made regarding the Congress party itself.

RSS defence citing legal and historical position

Defending the organisation, commentator S Gurumurthy argued that the RSS has legal standing and does not require registration under existing laws.

He said that after the ban on the RSS was lifted, the organisation submitted its constitution, which remains part of official records. He also claimed that income tax and legal rulings have recognised its status as a body of individuals.

Gurumurthy further argued that contributions made within the organisation have been recognised under legal principles and said its financial integrity has been acknowledged even by critics.

RSS chief responds to criticism

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat dismissed the controversy, calling it politically motivated.

“This is all politics. The intention here is to create doubts among people about us,” he said.

He added that the RSS functions openly and does not require formal registration, stating that it operates as a voluntary organisation with known public activities.

“RSS is not working secretly. It holds its shakhas openly and everyone knows about us,” he said.

Bhagwat also argued that registration is not mandatory for all organisations and compared the situation to religious identity.

“Even Hindu dharma is not registered. Only those who need government funding need to get registered,” he said.

The exchange has intensified political tensions in Karnataka, with Congress continuing to push for greater transparency and the BJP firmly defending the RSS’s legal and organisational status. The issue remains a point of political debate between the two parties.