Karnataka minister questions RSS’s secrecy, tax evasion
Says unregistered group enjoys PM-level security at public expense
New Delhi: Karnataka Information Technology and Biotechnology Minister, Priyank Kharge, has raised serious questions over the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) unregistered status, opaque funding, and the state protection afforded to its leadership, saying the organisation is “evading scrutiny and taxes while claiming to serve the nation.”
According to Kashmir Media Service, in a post on X, the minister said the RSS has itself admitted that it is not a registered entity, and yet operates with vast resources and government patronage. “If it truly serves the nation selflessly, why not register like the lakhs of NGOs that work transparently and lawfully? Where do their donations come from and who are the donors?” he asked.
Kharge questioned why RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat enjoys a security detail equal to that of the Prime Minister and top Indian ministers, despite leading an unregistered organisation. “Why is taxpayers’ money being spent on providing such protection to the head of the RSS? Who pays the full-time pracharaks and funds the organisation’s daily operations and ‘social’ campaigns?” he asked, adding that the group’s unaccountable structure allows it to evade taxes and public scrutiny.
Kharge’s remarks came after the Ministry of Home Affairs last year upgraded Bhagwat’s security from Z-plus to the top ‘advance security liaison (ASL) protectee’ category. Analysts note that the move places Bhagwat at par with India’s highest office bearers, further exposing the nexus between the RSS and the ruling BJP.
The Karnataka minister’s criticism coincides with a local dispute in his constituency, Chittapur in Kalaburagi district, where the RSS is seeking to hold a route march. The local administration earlier denied permission for the event, citing law and order concerns, after which the RSS approached the Karnataka High Court to reschedule it. Talks between district officials and organisers have so far remained inconclusive.
Political observers say Kharge’s questions reflect growing unease among opposition leaders over the RSS’s deep penetration into state institutions and its ability to function without financial or legal accountability.
