Priyank Kharge Urges RSS to Disclose Registration, Funding and Tax Details

Bengaluru: Karnataka Cabinet Minister Priyank Kharge has written a detailed letter to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, congratulating the organisation on completing 100 years while also raising questions about its legal status, financial transparency and public accountability.

In the two page letter dated June 13, Kharge argued that an organisation operating on such a large scale should publicly disclose its legal and financial details and function within the framework of the Constitution and the law.

Kharge, who serves as Karnataka’s Minister for Rural Development, Information Technology, Biotechnology and E Governance, referred to the RSS annual report, which claims that the organisation has more than 60,000 branches across India and abroad and millions of volunteers.

He pointed out that Karnataka alone has an extensive RSS network with over 4,000 daily shakhas, more than 1,300 weekly gatherings and several monthly meetings. Large public campaigns and route marches are also regularly organised.

Given the scale of its activities and influence, Kharge questioned why the RSS is not formally registered as a legal entity, society or similar organisation. He asked on what basis such a large body continues to operate without what he described as clear public accountability.

In his letter, the Congress leader called on the RSS leadership to publicly clarify several issues. These include the organisation’s legal structure, the names of responsible office bearers, sources of donations and income, details of assets and expenditure, and compliance with tax regulations.

Kharge argued that in a constitutional democracy, every institution active in public life, whether a charitable trust, non governmental organisation, society, company or religious body, is expected to disclose its finances and activities. He said an organisation that regularly speaks about nationalism, discipline and duty should also demonstrate those values by respecting constitutional and legal requirements.

The letter comes at a time when the RSS is marking its centenary celebrations and has added a new dimension to the ongoing political debate between the Congress and the BJP RSS camp.

For years, secular groups and minority communities have expressed concerns over the activities, funding patterns and public marches conducted by the organisation. Political observers believe the letter directly challenges the organisational structure under which the RSS has functioned for decades.

According to available reports, the RSS leadership has not yet issued any official written response to the letter. However, the issue has sparked strong reactions among right wing groups and supporters.

Legal experts suggest that the questions raised by the Karnataka minister could eventually lead to discussions about new regulations, registration requirements or greater scrutiny of organisations with large public influence.

The Congress party has framed the matter as one of constitutional accountability and equal application of the law, a position that could further intensify political tensions between state and central leadership.

In the concluding section of his letter, Kharge stated that the RSS should undertake a process of constitutional self assessment as it completes 100 years. He said the best tribute the organisation could offer on its centenary would be to register itself under the law, ensure complete financial transparency, pay all applicable taxes and function as a fully accountable institution within India’s constitutional framework.