Key Facts
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Monday urged the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to register itself as a legal entity, disclose its finances, and pay taxes, marking the organisation's centenary year. In a letter to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Kharge questioned why the RSS should remain exempt from compliance that applies to citizens, labour organisations, NGOs, trusts, temples, and companies.
Details of the Letter
Kharge posted his letter on social media platform X, noting that the RSS claims to have over 60,000 shakhas and crores of swayamsevaks across India and abroad. He said the organisation must uphold transparency, accountability, and constitutional compliance. Citing the 2025–26 Karnataka report of the RSS's highest decision-making body, the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha, Kharge pointed out that the RSS has 4,127 daily shakhas, 1,389 weekly milans, and 60 monthly mandalis in the state. The report also mentioned 2,194 Samajotsavas with 19.61 lakh participants and 562 route marches involving 2.21 lakh uniformed participants in Karnataka.
Kharge argued that such extensive organisational presence involving public mobilisation and uniformed marches cannot be treated as a private arrangement. He sought clarity on the legal basis for the RSS's activities without formal registration, its sources of donations and income, details of expenditure and assets, and whether applicable taxes are being paid. He also asked for details of permissions and compliance mechanisms for public events and route marches.
Political Reactions
The Karnataka BJP hit back at Kharge, accusing him of seeking to please Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. In a post on X, the BJP alleged that the Congress has been supporting anti-national organisations like the Karnataka Forum for Dignity (KFD) and the Popular Front of India (PFI) through the back door. The BJP claimed that registration of associations is not mandatory under the Constitution and that an organisation that has completed a century cannot be controlled through political authority.
BJP MP Tejasvi Surya also criticised Kharge, stating that the Constitution grants every citizen the right to form organisations and associations, a right given by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, not by Priyank Kharge.
What Readers Should Know
The RSS, founded in 1925, has never been registered under any specific law, arguing that it is a cultural organisation and not required to register. The debate over its legal status has resurfaced periodically. Kharge's letter seeks a formal response from RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, asking the organisation to depute authorised office bearers to explain the legal grounds for its functioning without registration.
FAQ
Why did Priyank Kharge ask RSS to register?
He argued that an organisation with over 60,000 shakhas and widespread activities should be transparent, registered, and tax-compliant like other entities.
What was the BJP's response?
BJP criticised Kharge, saying registration is not mandatory under the Constitution and accused Congress of supporting anti-national groups.
What information did Kharge seek from RSS?
He sought details on legal status, organisational structure, office bearers, donations, income, expenditure, assets, and tax payments.
Source: www.hindustantimes.com