Bengaluru, June 16: Karnataka’s Home Minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge launched a scathing attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its chief Mohan Bhagwat in a lengthy post on social media platform ‘X’ late Monday night. He reiterated demands for political accountability, transparency, and legal registration of the RSS, which he acknowledged as a cultural organization.
Kharge clarified that a video of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat circulating as a response to his letter was misleading. He stated, “I sent the letter on June 15, while Bhagwat’s remarks were made on June 13-14.”
He emphasized that while the RSS has every right to function as a cultural organization, it cannot deny its significant social and political influence. Therefore, it must be held accountable to the public. He reminded that the BJP itself considers the RSS its ideological parent.
Kharge raised concerns about the RSS’s expansion, noting that the organization receives donations through a network of over 2,500 affiliated groups both domestically and internationally, and operates headquarters in various capitals. He pointed out that the RSS chief benefits from advanced security protocols, with other officials also receiving protection funded by taxpayers.
He asserted, “The public has the right to know whether the RSS adheres to the legal standards expected of all organizations. Formal recognition under the law would eliminate this contradiction permanently.”
Kharge dismissed the RSS’s argument that it does not need registration because no religion is registered. He stated that the RSS does not represent any religion and is merely a century-old organization.
In conclusion, he wrote, “I have no objection to any cultural, social, or legal activities of the RSS, but they must maintain transparency. Most concerning is Bhagwat’s assertion that the RSS is not obligated to answer any questions. No institution enjoys privileges in a constitutional democracy. Shed the arrogance and comply with the law.”
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