Bengaluru: Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Sunday accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh of indulging in “money laundering” and questioned the organisation’s sources of income.
Speaking at a public event, Kharge said that the same law and Constitution applicable to all citizens and organisations in the country should apply to the RSS as well. “RSS did not hoist the national flag in their office for 52 years. They teach us about patriotism,” he said.
Alleging financial irregularities, Kharge claimed that the RSS has a network of more than 2,500 organisations, including entities based in America and England. “They take money from them. I am telling you — these people are into money laundering,” he said.
He further questioned the source and nature of the organisation’s funds. “They want us to be good citizens and pay income tax, but they want to remain free. How is it possible? We will have to question this,” he said.
Later, speaking to reporters, Kharge pointed out that the RSS is an unregistered organisation and asked whether it was “above the law or the Constitution.”
“It is good that all organisations should come under the ambit of law and Constitution, whether it is RSS or any other organisation. 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?” he asked.
Stating that his primary concern was the organisation’s unregistered status, Kharge questioned the source of its “Guru Dakshina” donations. “Who is paying it? Why is it not paying tax? When every rupee of others is being accounted for, why is there no accountability for their money?” he asked.
With PTI inputs