Daijiworld Media Network - Nagpur

Nagpur, Nov 9: In a veiled response to Congress leaders who questioned the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) registration and functioning, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday clarified that the organisation is “recognised as a body of individuals” and does not require government registration.

“RSS was established in 1925 — do you expect us to have registered with the British government?” Bhagwat said during an internal question-and-answer session organised by the Sangh.

He added that after Independence, the Government of India did not make registration mandatory for such organisations. “We are categorised as a body of individuals and are a recognised organisation,” he explained.

Citing legal recognition, Bhagwat noted, “The Income Tax department and courts have termed RSS a body of individuals and exempted us from income tax. We were banned thrice — if the government banned us, that itself means we are recognised. If we were not there, whom did they ban?”

Addressing criticism about the organisation’s use of the saffron flag instead of the national tricolour, Bhagwat said the RSS holds deep respect for the national flag. “We treat saffron as our Guru, but we always respect, offer tribute, and protect our tricolour,” he said.

His remarks came days after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the RSS should be banned, while his son and Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge demanded curbs on RSS activities in government institutions and public spaces, questioning the organisation’s registration number and funding sources.

Bhagwat concluded by stating that not everything that lacks registration is illegitimate. “Even Hindu Dharma is not registered,” he remarked.