Priyank Kharge seeks RSS's registration, finance disclosure: Mohan Bhagwat replies 
16 Jun 2026

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge has written to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, asking the organization to register itself and disclose its finances.

In his letter, Kharge stressed that no organization should be above scrutiny.

He compared the RSS with ordinary citizens and other organizations like NGOs and companies that are required to register, disclose details, undergo audits and pay taxes.

Kharge's letter framed as constitutional introspection
Transparency call

In his letter, Kharge sought details on the RSS's legal status, organizational structure, office-bearers, and sources of donations and income.

He also asked about tax compliance and the legal basis for its operations without formal registration.

The minister framed his request as an opportunity for "constitutional introspection" in the RSS's centenary year, stating that an organization promoting nationalism, discipline, and duty should exemplify transparency and respect for the law.

He invited authorized RSS office-bearers for a discussion.

No need to respond to directive: Bhagwat
Rejection response

Responding to Kharge's letter, Bhagwat rejected the demand as political maneuvering. He said there is no need to respond to the directive.

Bhagwat claimed that the RSS operates with complete openness and conducts its activities in public view through daily shakhas on open grounds.

He pointed out that many organizations across India remain unregistered and registration is usually required only for those seeking government funding, which he said the RSS does not.

This is politics, nothing more: RSS chief 
Public engagement

"Hindu Dharma is not registered. Many things are not registered...The government banned us twice, and those bans were lifted once by court order and again through Satyagraha. So the government knows the RSS exists. If they banned the RSS, it means they recognized its existence...," he said.

Bhagwat also recalled that the RSS had submitted its written constitution to the government in the 1950s without being asked to register.

He said, "This is politics, nothing more."

'Our karyakartas live in all localities'
RSS

He also responded to allegations that the RSS functions in secrecy, saying its activities are conducted publicly and are visible to society.

"They say we are secretive. Our karyakartas live in all localities. People see them every day. Our shakhas are held in open grounds. People see them daily. We have public programs..." he said, speaking at an RSS event.

Kharge responds to Bhagwat's video 
Kharge

Kharge has responded to the video of the RSS leader, saying that a video of Bhagwat being circulated was not a response to his recent letter, as the dates don't match.

He reiterated his position on the legal status of the RSS.

Kharge emphasized that while the RSS can be a cultural organization, it can't wield political power without accountability. He said, "The BJP itself acknowledges the RSS as its ideological parent, and their sway over public life is undeniable."