Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat on Monday responded to Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge’s demand that the organisation register itself and disclose details of its functioning, saying he would not directly respond to what he described as a political matter. Bhagwat said the RSS works openly and questioned the need for registration when the organisation is already known to the government.

Bhagwat said that many organisations and traditions operate without registration and argued that registration is mainly required for entities seeking government funds. Referring to the Hindu religion, he said, “The Hindu religion is not registered, many things are not registered,” while explaining his view on the issue of legal registration.

The RSS chief said the organisation has faced similar questions in the past and that it has continued its work despite criticism. He stated that the government has been aware of the RSS’s existence for decades and referred to periods when the organisation was banned, saying those bans were later removed through legal and public processes.

Also Read: Jewar Airport Opens With Land-Giving Farmers As First VIP Passengers

His remarks came after Priyank Kharge, in an open letter, questioned why the RSS should not be registered and made accountable when other organisations, trusts, companies and institutions are required to follow legal procedures. Kharge said an organisation with a large network and public influence should maintain transparency regarding its legal status, finances and activities.

Kharge also highlighted figures from RSS reports regarding its presence in Karnataka, including the number of shakhas, meetings and public programmes, and said the organisation should clarify details about its office bearers, funding, expenditure and tax compliance.

The exchange has renewed a political debate over the legal status and accountability of the RSS as it completes 100 years. While Kharge has called for greater transparency, Bhagwat maintained that the organisation is publicly known and does not need additional registration to establish its identity or activities.

Also Read: Brazil Helicopter Collision Reportedly Kills Oliver Tree And Five Others