‘Have no problem as long as they register themselves’: Priyank Kharge questions RSS’ transparency, accountability

BENGALURU: Amidst his demands to ban Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities on government premises, IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge on Monday questioned the transparency and accountability of the organisation. He demanded to know why the RSS was secretive about it activities, and how it could conduct largescale marches without being registered as an organisation.

Speaking to reporters, Priyank Kharge said, “I have no problem with the RSS as long as they seek permission from the government to do their activities and register themselves as an organisation. Why are they so scared of Indian laws and the Constitution? Why are they so secretive? How can an unregistered organisation have lakhs of people march across the country? Why is it that the BJP is so keen that the RSS should not follow the law of the land?”

The minister questioned why RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat was given Advanced Security Liaison (AGL), implying that it is only given to Prime Minister and Union Ministers of Home and External Affairs. In August 2024, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) strengthened RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s security by upping his existing ‘Z+’ armed protection to the more robust Advanced Security Liaison (ASL) protocol.

#WATCH | Bengaluru | Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge says, “I have no problem with the RSS as long as they seek permission from the government to do their activities and register themselves as an organisation… Why are they so scared of Indian laws and the Constitution?… Why… pic.twitter.com/cKzwVpYsNw

— ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2025

Priyank Kharge said, “Why has the largest NGO’s head, Mohan Bhagwat, been given advanced security liaison protocol? Why is the taxpayers ‘ money being spent on the world’s largest NGOs’ head?… When Sardar Patel banned RSS, the same RSS leaders fell at his feet and begged for mercy… Sardar Patel told them that if they didn’t practice politics any longer, give up violent means, and pay allegiance to the Indian flag and Constitution, the ban would be lifted only after that. Are they doing that now? No. During Indira Gandhi’s time, during the Emergency, they were banned. Please look at what the then RSS chief wrote to Indira Gandhi”.

The minister further lashed out at the BJP, saying, “The problem is that these BJP people don’t read their own magazine, Organiser. If they start reading Organiser, they will learn about their own history… Stop reading WhatsApp messages and Facebook posts by people who don’t know history… Then you will get to know that RSS wanted Manusmriti as the Constitution… Then you will get to know how Savarkar got his title Veer… You will also learn why Savarkar was receiving a pension from the British, why he wrote mercy petitions and why he asked for a raise in pension”.

Continuing his tirade against the RSS, Priyank Kharge said, “If they become transparent and accountable, even I will donate to the RSS. I want to write a check to the RSS directly. Which bank account should I write to? Please tell me… I want to donate to the Nagpur unit, to Mohan Bhagwat directly. Please tell me which bank account I should donate to”.

Priyank Kharge’s statement comes amidst his demand for a ban on RSS activities in government schools, colleges, and state-owned temples. He said that permissions should not be granted for activities outside the syllabus in government schools and colleges. (ANI)