Karnataka govt. asks Mohan Bhagwat to explain legal status on RSS registration
Seeking legal ground on the functioning of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Home Minister Priyank Kharge has written to RSS sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat to direct the office holders to explain how such a large organization operates anonymously and without being formally registered as a legal entity or a body of individuals under applicable laws.
Referring to the 2025-2026 report of the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha, the highest decision-making body of the RSS, the Minister said that the organization has a significant footprint in Karnataka with 4,127 daily shakhas, 1,389 weekly milans and 60 monthly mandalis.
Mr. Kharge, who had earlier questioned the legal status of the RSS, said, “Such an extensive corporate entity cannot be treated as a private or informal arrangement. This raises legitimate questions about legal status, accountability, financial transparency, public order, permissions, sources of funding and compliance with the Constitution and laws of India.”
According to the report cited by the minister, RSS conducted 2,194 surveys in Karnataka. SamajotsavasIt organized 562 route marches, usually covering 2.5 to 3 km, with 2.21 lakh uniformed participants, attracting 19.61 lakh participants. “These figures show a broad, disciplined and deeply entrenched network operating in 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 organization can remain out of control, he said that it is fair and necessary for the RSS to make the information available to the public.
“An organization that regularly evokes nationalism, discipline and duty must also demonstrate these values through transparency, compliance and respect for the Constitution,” he said.
Mr. Kharge said: “RSS cannot ask ordinary Indians to follow the rules while exempting itself from the same standards. If workers, small associations, religious institutions, NGOs, foundations, companies and citizens are expected to register, disclose, audit and pay taxes, then RSS too must set an example by following the rules of the district.”
He said: “We therefore call on the RSS to use the centenary not only for celebration but also for constitutional introspection. The best gift it can pay India is for it to register itself, disclose its activities and finances, pay all applicable taxes and operate as a transparent and accountable organization within the framework of Indian laws.”
What did the state government want from the RSS?
Creating public legal status and organizational structure
Details of officers and authorized representatives
Donations, contributions and income sources
Details of expenditure and assets
Applicable taxes are paid in accordance with the law
Legal basis for carrying out its activities without official registration
The constitutional and legal framework within which it claims the right to operate on this scale without public liability
Details of permits, authorizations and compliance mechanisms for public events, route marches, mass meetings and other organized activities
It was published – 15 June 2026 23:03 IST
