Karnataka Minister Demands RSS Legal Transparency; RSS Chief Dismisses as Political
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge formally asked RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat to disclose the organization's legal registration, funding, and activities, citing its massive footprint in the state. Bhagwat rejected the demand as politically motivated, stating RSS operates openly without government funds. Kharge rejected this stance, vowing legal action after a Bengaluru court summoned him in a defamation case filed by an RSS member. Former minister Eshwarappa criticized Kharge, defending RSS legitimacy. The dispute highlights tensions over transparency and accountability of the influential right-wing group.
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Union Minister Joshi accuses Karnataka Home Minister Kharge of using RSS remarks for media attention
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, speaking in Bagalkot on July 12, 2026, accused Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge of making statements about the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) solely to gain media coverage and divert attention from his department's failures, particularly regarding the drug menace. Joshi stated that the BJP has decided not to respond to Kharge's remarks, following the example of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. He dismissed Kharge's call for RSS registration as 'childish' and unnecessary. When asked about Kharge's claim of intelligence reports suggesting law and order issues after RSS meetings, Joshi said the Home Minister is free to act on his inputs. The exchange highlights ongoing political tensions in Karnataka between the ruling Congress party and the BJP.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Priyank Kharge Vows Legal Fight, Renews Demand for RSS Registration After Bengaluru Court Summons
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge, facing a criminal defamation case filed by an RSS member, has vowed to fight the case legally while renewing calls for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to register itself as an organization. A Bengaluru court summoned Kharge and former Youth Congress president Mohammed Haris Nalapad to appear on July 21 over alleged defamatory remarks against the RSS. Kharge questioned the RSS's lack of registration, asking about its donations, accounts, and beneficiaries, asserting that the Constitution and law are on his side. Karnataka Congress president B.K. Hariprasad backed Kharge, stating the RSS should register itself if it welcomes legal action against critics. The case arises from a private complaint by RSS member Tejas A regarding public statements and social media posts by the Congress leaders.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Former Karnataka Minister Eshwarappa Criticizes Home Minister Priyank Kharge Over RSS Queries
Former Karnataka minister K.S. Eshwarappa on June 17, 2026, sharply criticized state Home Minister Priyank Kharge for writing a letter to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, accusing Kharge of targeting the organization for publicity. Eshwarappa questioned Kharge's authority to raise issues about the RSS, suggesting he should take legal action if he has the authority as Home Minister rather than making public statements. Eshwarappa called Kharge 'kasa' (garbage) and said Bhagwat should not have responded to the letter. He defended the RSS as a legitimate organization with registered trusts, argued that Bhagwat deserves security due to threats, and cited a court ruling that allowed an RSS march in Chittapur. Eshwarappa also warned that Kharge would face political decline like other Congress leaders who opposed the RSS, including his father, Rahul Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, and Jawaharlal Nehru.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge Demands RSS Reply on Legal Status, Rejects Bhagwat's Stance
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge rejected RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's refusal to answer questions about the organization's legal registration, asserting that the letter was sent on behalf of the Karnataka government, not as an individual. Kharge stated the government will wait for a response before deciding on further action. He questioned how an organization that mobilized nearly 20 lakh people in Karnataka can operate without registration, while even a safai karamchari must register. Kharge also noted that Bhagwat's security is funded by taxpayers, justifying the demand for transparency on RSS donations, taxes, and its hiring of a US law firm for lobbying. He dismissed Bhagwat's comparison to unregistered Hindu dharma, clarifying he seeks registration details for the organization, not religion. Kharge drew a parallel to the RSS's support for electoral roll revisions, asking why the RSS is 'jittery' when asked for documents itself.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Mohan Bhagwat dismisses Priyank Kharge's call for RSS transparency as politically motivated
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat dismissed Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge's demand for transparency, calling it politically motivated. Kharge had written an open letter on June 13 seeking details on RSS registration, funding, income, expenditure, and assets. Bhagwat argued that RSS does not receive government funds and therefore does not require registration, noting that many unregistered entities function in India. He stated the RSS works openly through shakhas and community programs, and pointed out that courts and tax authorities have recognized it as a 'body of individuals' with income-tax exemptions. Bhagwat also referenced past government bans that were later lifted, asserting authorities are fully aware of RSS activities.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Karnataka Government Asks RSS Chief to Explain Legal Status and Registration
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge has formally written to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, requesting him to send authorized representatives to explain the legal status of the organization. Citing the RSS's own 2025-2026 report, Kharge highlighted the group's extensive footprint in Karnataka, including 4,127 daily shakhas, 1,389 weekly milans, 60 monthly mandalis, 2,194 samajotsavas with 19.61 lakh participants, and 562 uniformed route marches. The Minister questioned how such a large, disciplined organization operates without formal registration or public accountability. He demanded transparency on legal status, office-bearers, funding sources, expenditures, tax compliance, and permissions for public events. Kharge stated that the RSS cannot remain above scrutiny in a constitutional democracy and called on the organization to register itself and function transparently as it approaches its centenary.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.