Rejecting the argument that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is a “patriotic organisation” that does not require registration because Hinduism itself is not registered, Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said neither the nation nor the Hindu religion could be equated with the RSS.

Responding to questions from reporters here, Mr. Yathindra said Hinduism and the RSS were fundamentally different. “Religion is different from the RSS as an organisation. In fact, they are not true Hindus. They oppose the essence of Hinduism. They are Hindutvavadis, not representatives of the Hindu religion,” he said.

Defending Home Minister Priyank Kharge’s demand that the RSS be brought under a formal registration framework, Mr. Yathindra said the proposal was legally justified. “They have to abide by the law of the land,” he said.

He further contended that the RSS could not be described merely as a cultural organisation. “It is a political organisation. Everybody knows that it works for the BJP during elections,” he alleged.

Pointing out that the RSS maintains a large organisational network and owns properties worth several crores across the country, Mr. Yathindra said there was a need for transparency regarding its operations and sources of funding.

“The RSS cannot be exempted from registration when it is involved in financial transactions. There cannot be one set of rules for others and another for the RSS. How can they be given a concession?” he asked.