Bengaluru: Karnataka Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge reiterated demands for RSS registration, warning of new legislation if needed, amid claims of communal tensions deterring Coastal Karnataka investments.
"If they say they will not register, we will bring a law to make it mandatory. After that, they should register," Kharge told reporters. He questioned unregistered donations via "Guru Dakshina," alleging a "huge money laundering racket" from foreign sources, and challenged RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's "body of individuals" defense by citing registered entities like Bangalore Club.
Kharge, son of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, mocked RSS "nation-building" claims, asking for ten concrete activities and jibing at bachelor pracharaks urging three children per family. He called RSS the "devil" and BJP its "shadow."
This follows his February 15 remarks at a book launch on coastal riots, where he vowed, "If not today, [tomorrow] they will have to register. I will ensure it. As long as we have the law and the constitution, it will happen. Because we have left them unregistered for 100 years, should we leave them for another 100 years?" Last October, he urged CM Siddaramaiah to bar RSS events on government premises and penalize participating government employees.
Kharge blamed right-wing groups for harming "Brand Mangaluru," citing Canara Chamber concerns over trade and jobs. IT firms hesitate, fearing insecurity for employees in casual attire, stunting regional growth despite high GSDP.
Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai countered on X, calling it a "fake narrative" and "big bad joke." He highlighted Dakshina Kannada's strong economy, 30,000+ outstation students, and 250+ IT firms. Kharge replied, noting Bengaluru's 40% GSDP dominance vs. the district's 5.4%, pushing for better security to boost investments.
NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar and others have echoed funding scrutiny, questioning RSS chief's security and pracharaks' salaries.
Karnataka's Congress government passed the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Bill, 2025 last December, imposing up to 7 years' jail and Rs 50,000 fines for promoting disharmony. Critics like activist Shivasundar warned it could "boomerang," as criminalizing thoughts requires proving "malicious intention"—a tough legal hurdle.
Bhagwat defended RSS last November: "Many things aren't registered—even Hindu Dharma. Courts exempted our Guru Dakshina from tax."