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Informist, Tuesday, Jun. 16, 2026

 

NEW DELHI – Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge Tuesday persisted with his demand that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh submit to the government details about its organisational structure, legal status, funding, etc., underlining that these details pertain to national security, public order, and constitutional accountability.

 

"RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat claims that, unlike the Army, the RSS can raise an army within three days to fight at the border," Kharge wrote on X, referring to a 2018 statement by Bhagwat. The minister also shared screenshots of media reports of the claim made by Bhagwat at an event in Bihar's Muzaffarpur in February 2018.

 

"If an 'NGO' (non-governmental organisation) claims it can mobilise an army faster than the armed forces of India, shouldn't a state government have the right to know its legal status, structure, training, funding, command chain and accountability?" the minister said. He added that this is not a plain statement as it raises "serious questions of national security, public order and constitutional accountability".

 

A news report in The Hindu had quoted Bhagwat as saying, "Preparing an army takes six to seven months but we (RSS cadres) will be battle ready in two-three days... this is our capability and discipline."

 

Kharge's fresh salvo came a day after he shared images of an official letter he has written to Bhagwat demanding clarification about the organisation's legal status, registration, office-bearers, funding, expenditure, taxation, and permissions for public activities.

 

"If citizens, labour, NGOs, trusts, temples and companies are expected to register, disclose and comply with the law, why should the RSS remain exempt?" Kharge wrote in the letter dated Jun. 13. The Sangh completed 100 years of existence in October.

 

"In its centenary year, the RSS must responsibly abide by the Constitution and register, disclose, pay applicable taxes, and function transparently within the Constitution," he added.

 

Bhagwat, speaking at an event in Kerala's Thrissur Sunday, said he did not need to respond to the Karnataka government's demand. "Are we doing anything in secret? We are doing it openly... The Hindu dharma is not registered, many things are not registered. Those who require funds from the government, they require registration," he said.

 

He also dismissed the state government's requisition as "mere politics" and added that the Sangh has faced such things several times in the past.

 

Kharge, however, rejected Bhagwat's government funding plank, pointing out that the Sangh chief enjoys Advanced Security Liaison protocol, on a par with the Union home minister and other top Cabinet ministers, out of taxpayers' money. "If it is being done in the name of the Sangh, then what exactly is the Sangh? Who are the people behind it? Where does your money come from?" he said.  End

 

Reported by Asim Khan

Edited by Rajeev Pai

 

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