Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Karnataka: History, Structure, and Controversy
Posted on: October 15, 2025
Category: Politics / Karnataka News
Introduction
Friends, welcome to another history video. Currently, Karnataka is witnessing a heated debate about RSS. The Congress party has demanded a ban on RSS in the state, claiming it should not be allowed to hold events on government premises. In response, the BJP has challenged Congress to ban RSS if they have the courage. Recently, the Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar even sang an RSS song, adding fuel to the ongoing political discourse.
Interestingly, the very leader opposing RSS today was once indirectly linked to its origin. Even Nehru had called RSS controversial in its early days. This raises the question: is RSS purely a socio-cultural organization or also a political force? Let’s explore its history, growth, and the ongoing Karnataka controversy.
RSS Background and History
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was founded in 1925 by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar during British colonial rule. Initially, it was a small organization with just 12 members, aimed at uniting Hindus against British imperialism. Hedgewar had previously worked with Congress but disagreed with its approach during the Khilafat Movement, perceiving it as appeasing Muslim interests.
The RSS’s foundation grew from a desire to protect Hindu interests, establishing a socio-cultural and nationalist framework. Over time, its influence expanded rapidly, from local Maharashtra villages like Nasik, Pune, Amaravati, and Yavatmal to cities across India. By Vijayadashami 1925, RSS officially opened its first branches.
Growth and Key Figures
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Hedgewar Era: From a handful of members, the organization attracted thousands through physical training, yoga, intellectual discussions, and social service.
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Golwalkar Era (1940 onwards): After Hedgewar’s death, Madhavrao Golwalkar became chief, expanding RSS across India and establishing its discipline-based structure, which included daily Shakha activities and intellectual sessions.
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Branches Worldwide: Today, RSS operates in over 40 countries with 57,000 branches. Each branch focuses on community service, youth training, and cultural education.
RSS Structure
RSS has a multi-level organizational structure:
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Central
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Region
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State
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Division
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District
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Taluka
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City
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Unit
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Mandal
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Village
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Branch
Each branch has five sub-branches: Prabhat (morning), Sanjay (afternoon), Ratri (evening), Milan (weekly), and Mandal (monthly). Activities include physical and intellectual training, prayers, and discussions.
RSS in Karnataka and the Controversy
Karnataka has become a hotspot for RSS debates.
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Congress demands a ban on RSS activities on government premises, arguing the organization’s political influence is growing in the state.
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BJP counters that banning RSS is impossible, highlighting the organization’s social service and historical contributions.
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Political figures, including D.K. Shivakumar, have publicly referenced RSS, adding fuel to the controversy.
The ongoing debates in Karnataka reflect the larger national debate about RSS’s socio-cultural role versus political influence. Historical bans, controversies, and political opposition in other states provide context for the current Karnataka situation.
Social and Humanitarian Work
RSS is not only cultural; it actively engages in humanitarian work:
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Disaster relief during floods, earthquakes, cyclones, and tsunamis
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Support for armed forces during the 1962 Indo-China and 1965 Indo-Pak wars
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Assistance in the integration of princely states like Dadar Nagar Haveli and Goa
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Training youth through magazines like Devaputra and other educational initiatives
RSS volunteers often respond immediately during natural and man-made disasters, showing extensive social impact.
Political Influence
Though a socio-cultural organization, RSS influences Indian politics. Many BJP leaders—including Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L.K. Advani, Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and Rajnath Singh—have roots in RSS. Historically, RSS faced temporary bans:
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1948: After Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination
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1975: During the Emergency
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1992: Following the Babri Masjid demolition
RSS’s ideological influence in Karnataka mirrors the national trend, creating debates about its involvement in governance, policy, and local politics.
Ideology
RSS advocates four main principles:
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Akhand Bharat: Concept of undivided India
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Ekatma Manavtavada: Integral humanism
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Hindutva: Hindu cultural identity
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Bhagwa Dhwaj: Reverence for the saffron flag
These principles guide RSS’s social, cultural, and political vision.
Conclusion
RSS has grown into one of India’s largest socio-cultural organizations, with over a crore trained volunteers and tens of thousands of branches worldwide. While it plays a significant role in social service, its political influence remains a source of controversy in Karnataka and across India.
Discussion:
What do you think about the ongoing RSS debate in Karnataka? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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