Priyank Kharge Faces Police Complaint Over RSS Post in Bengaluru: Is RSS Registered? How Does It Influence BJP Leadership?

Police Complaint Against Priyank Kharge in Bengaluru

A Bengaluru resident, Tejas A Gowda, filed a complaint against Priyank Kharge at Banashankari Police Station on November 10.

The complainant alleged that Kharge circulated misleading information through an X post that attempted to associate the RSS with the seizure of approximately 44,250 live cartridges in Bihar and Haryana.

According to reports, Bihar Police recovered around 19,250 cartridges in Bhojpur district, while Haryana STF seized approximately 25,000 cartridges near the Rohad toll plaza in Jhajjar.

The complainant argued that the minister's post created an impression that the RSS was connected to the alleged ammunition-related criminal activities.

He requested police to register an FIR under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Sections 192, 196 and 353, and investigate the matter.

Development: Police confirmed that no FIR had been registered in connection with the complaint as of November 11. A police complaint is not the same as an FIR or proof of wrongdoing.

What Exactly Is RSS? Who Founded It and Why?

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was established on September 27, 1925, in Nagpur, Maharashtra, by Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar.

The organisation describes itself as a voluntary socio-cultural organisation focused on Hindu society, national unity, discipline, character-building and social service.

Its activities primarily operate through local gatherings known as Shakhas, where volunteers participate in physical exercises, discussions, organisational activities and community programmes.

Mohan Bhagwat is the present RSS chief, known as the Sarsanghchalak.

The RSS has developed a nationwide organisational network over the last century. It also has connections with numerous organisations working in areas such as education, labour, student activities, tribal welfare and social service.

Its supporters describe it as a cultural and nation-building movement, while critics argue that its ideology promotes Hindu nationalism and influences India's political direction.

Is RSS a Registered Organisation or Not?

This is one of the most important questions in the current Priyank Kharge controversy.

The RSS itself is not registered as a society, trust or company under the usual registration frameworks.

However, this does not automatically make the organisation illegal.

India does not have a general law requiring every voluntary association to register as a society, trust or company merely to exist.

The RSS maintains that it functions as a voluntary association or a body of individuals and that formal registration is not compulsory for its existence.

Its legal status has also been considered in court and tax proceedings. In a Bengaluru defamation case involving Priyank Kharge, a court rejected his argument that an RSS member could not maintain a criminal defamation complaint simply because the organisation lacked formal registration. The court recognised the RSS as an identifiable body of persons.