RSS Clarifies Membership Rules and Legal Status: ‘Only Hindus Can Join as Members’

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Sunday clarified its legal status, membership policy, outreach programs, and long-term vision, emphasising that only Hindus can become members while minority communities may participate in outreach programs but cannot hold organizational authority. The statements come amid renewed public interest following questions raised by Congress leader Priyank Kharge on the Sangh's registration.

Addressing misconceptions about the organization's outreach and minority participation, Bhagwat said, "Non-Hindus, including Muslims, Christians, or people from other castes, may participate in outreach programs or visit for special activities, but they cannot join the organizational branches as formal members," he said in an interaction at the lecture series of 100 Years of Sangh Journey: New Horizons.

"Participation is allowed as long as individuals maintain their own identity and do not become part of the branch structure. We welcome diversity in learning or exposure, but membership and organizational authority are restricted to Hindus."

The RSS chief further clarified, "We reach out to different communities to create awareness and understanding, but each individual is responsible for their own progress. RSS provides guidance and prepares individuals to act for themselves, but does not assume responsibility for anyone else's development. Those who come to RSS should participate willingly, without expecting material support."

Addressing why RSS is not a registered organization, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said, "After independence, registration is not compulsory. RSS is legally recognized as a body of individuals, and our Guru Dakshina is exempt from income tax. Courts have repeatedly dismissed attempts to declare RSS illegal."

He added, "We are not an unconstitutional organization; our legal status is fully within the Constitution. Many organizations, including Hindu Dharma itself, are not registered. Registration is therefore not necessary for legal recognition."

On its political stance, Bhagwat reiterated that the RSS remains non-partisan. "Members may individually choose a political path, but that is their personal decision, not the Sangh's directive. Alignment with political parties, including the BJP, occurs only at the level of ideology and grassroots work. RSS continues to focus on social service, cultural work, and community development," he said.

He highlighted the Sangh's long-term vision: "Organizing and strengthening Hindu society is our central task, and other activities will follow naturally. We are preparing Hindu society to be strong and organized so that it can impart its knowledge and values to the world, contributing to global peace and harmony."

Bhagwat also emphasized Bharat's civilizational identity, stating, "The unity of Bharat is rooted in its civilizational ethos and cultural heritage rather than political or administrative constructs. The country's identity is civilizational and eternal, not merely a product of independence in 1947."

Referring to the resilience of the Sangh, he said, "No voluntary organization in the world has faced the kind of opposition that RSS has. Swayamsevaks have even been targeted, yet the organization continues to grow."

The RSS chief underlined that the organization maintains self-sufficiency in men, money, and resources, enabling it to thrive despite sustained challenges. He reiterated that the Sangh's work is focused on nation-building, promoting Sanatan Dharma, and preparing Hindu society to engage meaningfully at both national and global levels.