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'We don't need to respond': Bhagwat on RSS accountability

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The debate over the RSS's accountability intensified following Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge's demand for registration and transparency, which RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat dismissed as political posturing. Bhagwat argued that the organization operates openly and that demands for registration are 'political gimmicks,' noting that the government already recognizes the RSS through past bans. In response, a BJP MP, Ramesh Jigajinagi, suggested that a Dalit person should not question the RSS, leading to criticism from Dalit leaders who accused him of using caste politics for political gain.

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Dalit Leaders Criticize Jigajinagi; Kharge Demands RSS Transparency 2 outlets
Dalit leaders criticized Ramesh Jigajinagi for suggesting Dalits should ignore RSS affairs, drawing ire from groups like Dalit Sangharsha Samiti and Bhim Army who felt it insulted the community and revealed political maneuvering by the BJP and RSS. Concurrently, Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge publicly requested the RSS to disclose registration details, finances, and tax compliance, citing its scale and influence as a reason for accountability.
Dalit Questioning RSS Sparks Political Row Over Accountability 3 outlets
BJP MP Ramesh Jigajinagi questioned why a Dalit person should question the RSS, suggesting those who challenge it have not survived. Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge sought transparency from the RSS regarding its legal status, funding, and tax compliance. Digvijaya Singh backed Kharge's call for disclosure, citing past inquiries made to Mohan Bhagwat. Kharge asserted that the RSS must adhere to public accountability and the rule of law, rejecting claims of immunity based on religious status.
RSS Registration Demand Sparks Political Clash Over Legal Status 4 outlets
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge demanded that the RSS disclose its legal status, registration, funding, and permissions. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat dismissed the demand as political gimmicks, stating that the Hindu religion is not registered and that the organization operates openly. Bhagwat argued that since the government banned the RSS twice, it implicitly recognized its existence, and the constitution is with the government. Kharge countered that an organization with significant public influence must uphold transparency and accountability.

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The Hindu 3 articles 42.0%
NewsClick 2 articles 28.0%
The Wire 2 articles 35.0%
The Statesman 1 article 53.0%
The Indian Express 1 article 46.0%
News18 1 article 53.0%
ThePrint 1 article 46.0%

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