Karnataka Minister Challenges RSS Transparency and Legal Compliance

In a call for transparency and compliance, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Monday demanded that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) halt its activities on government premises unless it registers as an organization. At a press briefing, Kharge contested the RSS's secrecy and questioned its ability to conduct large-scale events without adherence to Indian laws.

Kharge, a Congress leader, emphasized, "There is no issue with RSS activities if they obtain governmental permission and register themselves. Why do they evade transparency and disregard the Constitution? Why is the BJP intent on allowing their disregard for the law?" Kharge also criticized the high-level security accorded to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, noting that such protection typically extends to top government officials.

In 2024, the Ministry of Home Affairs increased Bhagwat's security from 'Z+' coverage to Advanced Security Liaison (ASL), a protocol generally reserved for Prime Ministers and high-level ministers. Kharge questioned taxpayer funding for this, recalling historical bans on the RSS and urging greater accountability from the organization. He decried the BJP's ignorance of their own history, as documented in their magazine, Organiser, and criticized RSS's historical stance on the Indian Constitution.