New Delhi: In a scathing attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Congress leader and Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Sunday levelled a grave accusation of “money laundering” at the organisation. He questioned the sources of income of the RSS and about it not paying taxes.
We will have to question: Kharge
Kharge was speaking at a book release event in Bengaluru when he said, “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.” He asked, “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.”
Kharge asks about source of income
Raising further questions, Kharge noted, “It is good that all organisations should come under the ambit of law and constitution, whether it is RSS or any other organisations. Are they above law and constitution. Mohan Bhagwat says it is a body of individuals. So is Bangalore Club, have they not registered? Are they not paying taxes?”
The Congress leaders added, “If we ask about the source of RSS money, they tell us that we will get Guru Dakshina. Where is their Guru Dakshina coming from?” Elaborating on that, Kharge claimed to have done “some research” and found that “according to them, Guru Dakshina means ‘flag’.”
He commented, “So, tomorrow morning, if I also hoist the blue flag and collect money, I will ask the government and them (RSS) whether they will agree. Thus, no one can escape baseless words. From now on, I will not give up until this RSS organisation is registered under the Constitution and the law.”
Kharge asks about RSS and tax
He asked why is the RSS not paying tax, questioning their source of income. Kharge said, “Who is paying it (fund)? Why is it (RSS) not paying tax? When every rupee of others is being accounted for, why is there no accountability for their money.”
He also attacked the patriotism of the RSS and said that it “did not hoist the national flag in their office for 52 years.” added, “RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, who says that one should have three children, is not getting married. However, he talks about raising other people’s children. Thus, the BJP is constantly saying things outside and inside, and is sending the children of the poor to the streets.”
BJP hits back at Kharge
Meanwhile, the BJP has hit back at Kharge, with the party’s Telangana unit president Ramchander Rao replying that the RSS has kept the country united, while Congress has created divisions. He said, “Priyank Kharge should remember that India stands united because of the RSS. The Congress has repeatedly divided the nation on various issues, including caste. Today, the RSS is the only force working to keep India together, and the BJP is proud to share its ideology,”. Also, he hailed the RSS for serving the “national interest”.