Use RSS Centenary For ‘Constitutional Introspection’, Kharge Tells Bhagwat

The remarks were made in a letter addressed to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on June 13.

While congratulating the organisation on completing 100 years of its existence, Kharge said its extensive reach and influence made greater public accountability imperative.

Having previously sought answers on the RSS’ registration, funding and accountability mechanisms, Kharge has now taken the issue directly to the organisation’s top leadership through a letter addressed to Bhagwat.

“At the outset, I extend my congratulations to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on completing 100 years of its existence. An organisation that claims to have over 60,000 shakhas and crores of swayamsevaks across India and abroad undoubtedly has a significant presence in public life and society. It is precisely because of this scale, influence and reach that the RSS must be held to the highest standards of transparency, accountability and constitutional compliance,” he stated in the letter dated June 13.

“If workers, small associations, religious institutions, NGOs, trusts, companies and citizens are expected to register, disclose, audit and pay taxes, then the RSS too must set an example by abiding by the rules of the land. We therefore call upon the RSS to use the occasion of its centenary not merely for celebration, but for constitutional introspection.

The best tribute it can pay to India in its 100th year is to register itself, disclose its activities and finances, pay all applicable taxes, and function as a transparent and accountable organisation within the framework of Indian law,” he stated.

He said the RSS should set an example by adhering to the same standards of registration, disclosure, auditing and tax compliance that apply to other organisations.

Referring to the annual report for 2025-26 released by the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS), Kharge stated that the organisation has a significant footprint in Karnataka, with 4,127 daily shakhas, 1,389 weekly milans and 60 monthly mandalis.

“The RSS’ public mobilisation is equally extensive. As per your report, the organisation conducted 2,194 Samajotsavas, drawing 19,61,158 participants. You also claim to have organised 562 route marches across the State, usually covering 2.5 to 3 km, with 2,21,963 uniformed participants,” the Home Minister stated in his detailed letter.

He said that such an extensive organisational presence, especially when it involves regular public mobilisation, uniformed route marches and large-scale social outreach, cannot be treated as a private or informal arrangement and it raises legitimate questions about legal status, accountability, financial transparency, public order, permissions, sources of funding and compliance with the Constitution and laws of India.

“We therefore request the RSS to depute its authorised office bearers to explain the legal grounds on which an organisation of such magnitude continues to function with anonymity and without being formally registered as a legal entity or as a ‘body of individuals’ under the applicable laws,” he said.
Stating that no organisation in a constitutional democracy could remain beyond scrutiny, Kharge said citizens, charitable organisations, trusts, companies, NGOs and religious institutions are required to comply with registration, disclosure and audit requirements. He contended that organisations with a significant public footprint should be held to similar standards of transparency and accountability.

Kharge called upon the RSS to place key organisational details in the public domain, including its legal status, organisational structure, office-bearers, sources of funding, assets, expenditure and tax compliance. He further sought clarification on the legal and constitutional basis on which the organisation operates without formal registration and sought details of permissions and compliance mechanisms followed for route marches, public gatherings and other activities.