 after Karnataka Home Minister){kind=link}
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge asks the RSS to follow legal norms and embrace transparency
June 16, 2026: A fresh political confrontation has emerged between the Congress and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) after Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge questioned the organisation’s legal status and accountability. Responding to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s remarks opposing registration of the Sangh, Kharge said no institution in a constitutional democracy can claim exemption from public scrutiny. He argued that while the RSS enjoys significant social and political influence, it cannot simultaneously deny responsibility for public accountability. Kharge also urged the organisation to “shun arrogance” and comply with the law.
Kharge maintained that the RSS operates through a large network of affiliated organisations, receives donations, and exercises considerable influence in public life. He pointed out that RSS leaders benefit from security protocols funded by taxpayers and said citizens have the right to know whether the organisation follows the same legal standards expected of others. According to him, formal registration and transparency regarding funding, assets, income and expenditure would resolve longstanding questions about the organisation’s status. Earlier, Kharge had written to Bhagwat seeking clarification on these issues.
Bhagwat, speaking in Kerala, dismissed demands for RSS registration, saying the organisation functions openly and has nothing to hide. He argued that many institutions and traditions are not formally registered and suggested that calls for registration were politically motivated. Supporting Kharge’s position, Karnataka Congress President B.K. Hariprasad criticised Bhagwat for allegedly equating the RSS with Hindu Dharma. Hariprasad said Hinduism is a vast and inclusive faith that cannot be identified with any single organisation, and he accused the RSS of attempting to claim ownership over a religion followed by millions.