Priyank Kharge’s call for transparency in RSS is ‘driven by politics’: Mohan Bhagwat

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has brushed aside Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge’s call for greater transparency from the organisation, saying that the demand is ‘driven by politics rather than genuine concerns over accountability’.

The controversy began after Mr. Kharge wrote an open letter to the RSS chief on June 13, seeking details about the organisation’s registration status, sources of funding, income, expenditure, and assets. Arguing that an organisation with a nationwide presence and thousands of daily shakhas should be subject to public scrutiny, the Congress leader said the RSS should adhere to the same disclosure norms applicable to NGOs, companies, and religious institutions.

Asked about the letter during an RSS centenary outreach programme in Thrissur on Sunday (June 14, 2026), Mr. Bhagwat said he saw no reason to respond to the demand and dismissed it as politically motivated.

“I don’t need to respond. There are so many unregistered things functioning in the country. We are not secretive; we work openly and people know what we do. We are used to such allegations. Those who seek government funds require registration,” he said, adding that even Hindu Dharma is not a registered entity.

Defending the RSS’s position, Mr. Bhagwat said the organisation did not receive government funding and therefore did not require registration on that basis. He also maintained that the Sangh’s activities were conducted publicly through shakhas and community outreach programmes.

The RSS chief further pointed out that the organisation had been banned by the government in the past, but the restrictions were later lifted, demonstrating that authorities were fully aware of its existence and activities. He also noted that courts and tax authorities have recognised the RSS as a “body of individuals” and granted it income-tax exemptions.