Nation and Hindu religion cannot be equated with RSS, says Yathindra Siddaramaiah

Yathindra Siddaramaiah | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah on Tuesday rejected the argument that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is a “patriotic organisation” that does not require registration as Hinduism itself is not registered, saying that neither the nation nor the Hindu religion can be equated with the RSS.

Answering questions from reporters here, Mr. Yathindra said that Hinduism and RSS are fundamentally different. “The religion is different from the RSS as an organization. They are not really true Hindus. They reject the essence of Hinduism. They are Hindutvavadis, not representatives of the Hindu religion,” he said.

Defending Home Minister Priyank Kharge’s demand that the RSS be included in the formal registration framework, Mr Yathindra said the proposal was legally justified. “They have to follow the laws of the land,” he said.

He further argued that the RSS cannot be described as a cultural organization only. “It is a political organisation. Everyone knows that it works for the BJP during elections,” he claimed.

Pointing out that the RSS maintains a vast organizational network and owns properties worth several crores across the country, Mr. Yathindra said there was a need for transparency regarding its operations and sources of funding.

“RS cannot be exempted from registration if it is involved in financial transactions. There cannot be one set of rules for others and another for RSS. How can they be given a concession?” he asked.

Published – June 16, 2026 8:30 PM IST