The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has decided not to respond to Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge’s letter seeking clarification on the organisation’s registration status, choosing instead to stay silent unless the matter reaches a formal legal stage.
According to sources, the decision was taken during an RSS meeting held on Wednesday. Senior functionaries reportedly felt that responding publicly would only prolong the political controversy. BJP leaders were also advised not to make public statements on the issue for now.
Sources said the RSS leadership believes its position on registration has already been explained by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on several occasions, including during his visits to Kerala and Karnataka. They reportedly felt there was no need to issue another clarification.
During the meeting, leaders also noted that questions about the RSS and its organisational structure have been raised repeatedly over the past century. According to sources, the organisation believes these issues have already been answered and do not require further public discussion.
The RSS reportedly views the questions raised by Priyank Kharge as politically motivated. According to sources familiar with the discussions, the leadership felt that issuing a fresh response would “only keep the controversy alive” and give it more political attention.
As a result, the organisation has decided to avoid any public exchange on the matter for the time being.
However, sources said the RSS is prepared to respond if the Karnataka government or any competent authority initiates legal proceedings or officially seeks clarification through the proper legal process. Until then, it sees “no necessity for any public reaction.”
The RSS leadership has also reportedly instructed BJP leaders to refrain from making unnecessary comments until any official or legal action begins, stressing that the issue should not be escalated through political statements.
The controversy began after Priyank Kharge publicly questioned the RSS over its registration status and sought an explanation through an open letter. His remarks triggered a political confrontation between the ruling Congress government in Karnataka and the BJP, with the Congress insisting that the RSS should answer the questions while the organisation has now chosen to remain silent unless the matter moves into a formal legal or administrative process.
