The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday, 10 July launched its three-day Prant Pracharak meeting in Belagavi, Karnataka, drawing over 136 senior functionaries from across the country to review the organisation's activities and chart its roadmap for the months ahead. The gathering, held at Anagol's Meera School, runs through 12 July and is being chaired by RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat.

Who Is Attending and What Is on the Agenda

The meeting has brought together representatives from 11 regions and office-bearers of 32 RSS-affiliated organisations. Senior figures present include RSS Sarkaryawah Dattatreya Hosabale, Dr Krishna Gopal, C.R. Mukunda, and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santhosh.

According to the RSS, the annual conclave will assess the organisation's work over the past year and finalise plans for expansion and upcoming programmes. Deliberations are expected to cover the strengthening of RSS shakhas, coordination among Sangh-affiliated bodies, and the functioning of educational institutions run by RSS-linked organisations. The meeting is also reportedly set to address recent controversies, including allegations related to the Ayodhya Ram Temple construction fund.

The Prant Pracharak meeting is regarded as one of the RSS's most consequential internal gatherings, where senior office-bearers exchange regional feedback and set the national organisational agenda.

Kharge Questions RSS and VHP on Temple Fund Allegations

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge used the occasion to press the RSS and the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) for a public accounting of the alleged Ayodhya Ram Temple fund controversy. He pointed out that the accused — including Champat Rai — were associated with the VHP, which was itself founded under the guidance of RSS ideologue M.S. Golwalkar.

'You took credit for the construction of the Ram Temple. The accused, including Champat Rai and others, are associated with the VHP. Let them come out and explain. Why were you silent when the allegations surfaced? The VHP was founded under the guidance of M.S. Golwalkar of the RSS. If you take credit for the temple, you should also answer these allegations,' Kharge said.

He also dismissed the practice of issuing statements on social media as inadequate, demanding instead direct public accountability on how the funds were handled. 'Whatever resolutions they adopt at their meeting are their internal matter, and it is none of my business. But they must publicly answer how the funds were handled and what accountability exists,' he added.

Karandlaje Fires Back, Targets Kharge on Law and Order

Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje hit back sharply, accusing Kharge of obsessing over the RSS while neglecting his duties as the state's Home Minister.

'Priyank Kharge has become the RSS Minister. Not a day goes by without him talking about the RSS. He does not speak about rapes, the drug network, murders or other law-and-order issues affecting the state,' she alleged.

Karandlaje further claimed that Kharge's criticism of the RSS was driven by the need to secure his ministerial post and bolster his father's standing within the Indian National Congress (Congress). 'He has no concern for Karnataka's interests. Which district has he visited to review the deteriorating law and order situation? Several districts are witnessing violent crimes and attacks in broad daylight. Instead of addressing these issues, he continues to target the RSS,' she said.

What Happens Next

The three-day conclave is set to conclude on 12 July, after senior RSS functionaries finalise the organisation's agenda and programme calendar for the year ahead. The political sparring between the ruling Congress and the BJP over the meeting's backdrop — particularly the Ayodhya fund allegations — is likely to continue as the deliberations unfold.