Karnataka Congress leader criticizes RSS over lack of transparency, security privileges
Bengaluru: Karnataka Minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge has sharply criticized the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), questioning its transparency and the privileges extended to its leadership.
According to Kashmir Media Service, in a statement, Priyank Kharge pointed out that all registered non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in India are required to file income tax returns, disclose their donations, and report their finances to the government. “If the RSS claims to be an NGO, why doesn’t it follow the same process?” Kharge asked.
He also raised concerns over the security provided to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, who has been granted the highest level of protection under the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Kharge questioned the rationale behind spending public funds on providing such security to an individual who, he noted, has not contributed a single rupee in taxes. “When they already have sticks and battalions at their disposal, what additional protection do they need?” he remarked. He also raised broader concerns about the RSS’s refusal to register as an NGO, saying, “Why is it that the RSS operates without registration or public scrutiny? If they truly serve the nation selflessly, why not register like the lakhs of other NGOs that work transparently and lawfully?”
Taking a dig at the RSS’s sensitivity to criticism, he remarked, “Why do they behave as if they’ve been stung by a scorpion whenever someone demands accountability from the RSS?” The Congress leader further said that the RSS was evading accountability and taxes while claiming to serve the nation. “Where do their donations come from? Who are their donors? Who funds the full-time pracharaks and their so-called social campaigns?” he asked, highlighting what he described as a lack of financial transparency within the organization.
Despite its influence, Kharge asserted that the RSS does not have the widespread support of the Indian populace, saying, “The majority of people in this country neither support nor accept the RSS. They are not above the nation, the Constitution, or the law.”
Kharge’s remarks come after a series of personal threats and abusive calls directed at him and his family following his call for a ban on RSS activities in government properties. KMS-20S
