Sun Nov 09 07:54:12 UTC 2025: ## RSS Chief Defends Organization’s Status Amid Congress Criticism
Bengaluru, India – November 9, 2025 (1:26 PM IST) – Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has defended the organization’s operational status amid mounting criticism from Congress leaders. Speaking during an in-house question and answer session on Sunday, Bhagwat addressed concerns about the RSS operating without registration.
Bhagwat questioned the logic of expecting the RSS, established in 1925, to have registered with the British government. He further stated that post-independence, the Indian government did not mandate registration for organizations of its nature. “We are categorized as a body of individuals, and we are a recognized organization,” Bhagwat asserted.
He highlighted that the Income Tax department and courts have recognized the RSS as a body of individuals and granted it income tax exemptions. Bhagwat also pointed to the organization’s three prior bans as evidence of government recognition, rhetorically asking, “If we were not there, whom did they ban?” He further added that “Even Hindu Dharma is not registered.”
Bhagwat also addressed accusations regarding the RSS’s alleged disrespect for the Indian tricolor flag. He clarified that while the saffron flag is treated as a “Guru” within the organization, the RSS holds high respect for the Indian tricolor. “We always respect, offer tribute and protect our tricolour,” he said.
These remarks come in response to recent calls for a ban on the RSS by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, and demands from his son, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, to prohibit RSS activities in government institutions and public spaces. Priyank Kharge has also questioned the organization’s registration number and funding sources.
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