Kharge to RSS: 'Produce documents, or be ready for legal action'

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Tuesday (June 23) said he would continue to ask the RSS to produce documents related to its establishment and expenditure.

He also indicated that he would initiate legal action if he did not get any satisfactory reply.

The minister has launched a campaign against the century-old RSS, demanding documents to prove that they are registered in the country and produce their financial transactions.

"It’s just a week since I asked them for details. They are patriots with 100 years of history. They must have documents somewhere – either in Nagpur, in Keshava Shilpa in Bengaluru, or at the Sarsanghchalak’s residence," Kharge told reporters when asked about the status of his query posted on social media demanding the establishment and expenses of the RSS.

Insisting that the RSS leaders would get the documents shortly, he said the century-old organisation should be given some time.

"Why is there such a hurry? Give them some time. They may have to create one, if they don’t have any documents," the minister said.

‘There is law in the country’: Kharge

When reporters asked what if the RSS did not produce documents, Kharge said there is law in the country.

"What does it mean that they don’t want to give? Should there be different yardsticks of law? Wouldn’t they have thrown the documents on my face if they had any?"

Also Read: Capital Beat | RSS registration row: Transparency demand or political battle?

He said he would exercise restraint for being the home minister and act in accordance with the law.

"Neither I nor they can breach the threshold of law. I will not allow them to cross the threshold. It’s been 100 years wait for the document. Shouldn’t we wait for a month for it?" the minister said.

‘An effort to know who they are’

When asked whether he was asking the RSS to provide their registration paper, Kharge said it is not about registration paper but an effort to know who they are.

"They will certainly come to us. Getting lengthy editorial by senior advocates, or big posts on social media or a podcast on this issue will not affect me. I am ready for discussion with those who want to represent the RSS," he said.

Also Read: Is RSS registration mandatory? What a legal expert has to say

The advocate jibe was targeted at Mahesh Jethmalani, who recently wrote a lengthy post on X targeting Kharge for asking the RSS to produce registration documents and its financial expenditures.

(With agency inputs)