Government of Karnataka. asking RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat to send representatives to explain the legal status of the organisation’s registration
According to the report, the RSS conducted 562 route marches across Karnataka in 2025-26. , | Photo credit: file photo
Seeking the legal grounds on which Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) operates, Home Minister Priyank Kharge formally wrote to RSS sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat to represent the rightful office-bearers to explain how an organization of this scale operates with anonymity and without being formally registered as a legal entity or as a body of natural persons under applicable laws.
Citing the 2025-26 report of the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha, the highest decision-making body of the RSS, the minister said the organization has a significant footprint in Karnataka with 4,127 daily shakhas, 1,389 weekly milans and 60 monthly mandalis.
“Such a large organizational presence cannot be considered a private or informal arrangement. It raises legitimate questions about legal status, accountability, financial transparency, public order, permits, sources of funding and compliance with the Constitution and laws of India,” said Mr Kharge, who had earlier questioned the legal status of the RSS.
In Karnataka, according to a report cited by the minister, the RSS conducted 2,194 samajotsavas, attracted 19.61 million participants, organized 562 marches, usually covering 2.5 to 3 km with 2.21 million uniformed participants. “These figures show a vast, disciplined and deep-rooted network operating across Karnataka through daily cadre building, weekly and monthly outreach, mass public events and marches in uniform,” he added.
Stating that no organization can remain under scrutiny in a constitutional democracy, he said it was only fair and necessary for the RSS to place information in the public domain.
“An organization that regularly evokes nationalism, discipline and duty must also demonstrate these values through transparency, adherence and respect for the constitution,” he said.
Mr. Kharge said, “The RSS cannot ask ordinary Indians to follow the rules while exempting themselves from the same norms. If workers, small associations, religious institutions, NGOs, trusts, companies and citizens are expected to register, disclose, audit and pay taxes, then the RSS too must set an example by following the rules of the country.”
He said: “We therefore urge the RSS to use the occasion of its centenary not only for celebration but also for constitutional introspection. The best tribute it can pay India is to register, disclose its activities and finances, pay all relevant taxes and function as a transparent and accountable organization under Indian law.”
What was the state government looking for from the RSS?
Publish legal status and organizational structure
Details of office bearers and authorized representatives
Sources of donations, contributions and income
Details of expenses and assets
Any applicable taxes are paid in accordance with law
The legal basis on which it operates without formal registration
The constitutional and legal framework under which it claims the right to operate to such an extent without public liability
Details of permits, authorizations and compliance mechanisms for public events, marches, mass gatherings and other organized activities
Published – 15 Jun 2026 23:03 IST