'They are above law or Constitution?': Priyank Kharge attacks RSS, accuses of money laundering

Priyank Kharge

• Priyank Kharge accuses RSS of illegal financial activities
• Kharge questions RSS's tax status and donation transparency
• He demands equal legal scrutiny for RSS as other institutions

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Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Sunday levelled serious allegations against the RSS, accusing it of financial wrongdoing and demanding greater scrutiny of its functioning under the law. Speaking at a public event in Bengaluru, he claimed the organisation was involved in illegal financial activities and questioned its sources of income.

“It (RSS) has a network of more than 2,500 organisations, they are from America, England. They take money from them. I am telling -- that these people are into money laundering,” Kharge said while addressing the gathering.

Raising concerns about transparency, he argued that the same legal standards applicable to citizens and institutions should extend to the RSS. “They want us to be good citizens, pay income tax, but they want to remain free. How is it possible. We will have to question this,” he remarked.

Later, speaking to reporters, Kharge underlined that the RSS is an unregistered body and asked, “Are they above law or Constitution.” Referring to remarks by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat that the organisation is a collective of individuals, Kharge drew comparisons with other entities. “Mohan Bhagwat (RSS chief) says it (RSS) is a body of individuals. So is Bangalore Club, have they not registered? Are they not paying taxes?” he asked.

The minister also questioned the flow of donations to the organisation. “Where is their Guru Dakshina (donation) coming from. Who is paying it? Why is it (RSS) not paying tax? When every rupee of others is being accounted for, why is there no accountability for their (RSS) money,” he said.

In addition, Kharge criticised the RSS over issues of patriotism. “RSS did not hoist the national flag in their office for 52 years. They teach us about patriotism,” he said.