Congress Escalates Pressure: Hegde Challenges RSS on Registration, Cites British-Era Compliance

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Mangaluru : Karnataka Congress spokesperson M G Hegde ratcheted up the political tension in Mangaluru by launching a sharp attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), demanding the organization provide proof of legal registration in India.

Speaking at a press conference, Hegde asserted that it was inexplicable that the RSS, which he claimed is registered in at least 70 foreign nations, continues to operate domestically without adhering to Indian registration laws. He questioned whether the organization’s deliberate lack of registration was a maneuver to evade financial accountability and government oversight.

The spokesperson drew a stark contrast between the RSS’s historical and contemporary conduct, noting that the organization, which now allegedly “refuses to comply with Indian laws,” had been fully obedient to the British government during the colonial era.

Hegde presented evidence, including a 1942 CID report from the Bombay government, which supposedly showed that while the rest of India was gripped by the Quit India Movement and other intense independence campaigns, the RSS was meticulously conducting its programs and strictly adhering to all British regulations, as recorded in a secret 90-page file.

He further alleged that the then RSS chief, M S Golwalkar, had formally committed to the British authorities that the organization would “fully comply” with orders, particularly in 1940 when the British banned paramilitary uniforms and military training for non-official organizations. Hegde claimed this demonstrated the RSS had no role in the country’s freedom struggle.

Challenging the organization’s use of government infrastructure, Hegde asked if the RSS required the approval of civil society to use public properties like post offices, airports, and other government locations for its programs.

Finally, in response to queries, Hegde confirmed that the Congress party was actively monitoring the situation, announcing that two government officials involved in RSS activities had already been suspended, and promising to keep track of government employees posting in support of the RSS on social media.