Politics – Giriraj Singh Rebuts Kharge’s Allegations Against RSS

Politics –  Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Tuesday sharply criticised Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge for accusing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh of financial misconduct, escalating a fresh political confrontation between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress.

Singh described Kharge’s allegations as baseless and said the Congress leader lacked an understanding of the organisation’s structure and functioning. Speaking to reporters, the Union Minister maintained that the RSS has a long history and ideological foundation that, according to him, cannot be easily interpreted by its critics.

BJP Responds to Money Laundering Claims

The exchange followed remarks made by Priyank Kharge in Bengaluru, where he alleged that the RSS was involved in money laundering and questioned the transparency of its funding sources. The RSS is widely seen as the ideological mentor of the BJP, though it describes itself as a cultural organisation.

Reacting to the charges, Singh said that it would take “many lifetimes” for Kharge to grasp the functioning and philosophy of the RSS. He further claimed that even senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi would struggle to comprehend the organisation’s structure and objectives.

Singh suggested that Kharge’s comments reflected political rhetoric rather than factual assessment. He added that such statements were unfortunate and did not contribute to constructive public debate.

Kharge Raises Questions on Funding and Registration

Earlier, Priyank Kharge alleged that the RSS operates through a network of more than 2,000 affiliated organisations that contribute funds to it. He claimed these contributions raised concerns about potential money laundering and sought clarity on how the organisation manages its finances.

Kharge also questioned why the RSS is not formally registered in a way that, in his view, would ensure greater public accountability. He asked whether the organisation considered itself above legal or constitutional scrutiny.

In subsequent interactions with the media, Kharge expanded on his allegations. He stated that the RSS receives financial support both within India and from overseas sources. He referred to what he described as documentation from the United States, claiming it showed the organisation lobbying abroad. He questioned the source of funds used for such activities and called for transparency.

VHP Joins the Debate

The controversy drew a response from the Vishva Hindu Parishad as well. Vinod Bansal, the national spokesperson of the VHP, criticised Kharge’s remarks and accused him of targeting organisations associated with Hindu cultural traditions.

Bansal alleged that Kharge’s statements were part of a broader political narrative aimed at undermining Sanatan Dharma and related ideologies. He dismissed the money laundering allegations and said they were politically motivated.

Political Tensions Intensify

The exchange underscores ongoing tensions between the BJP and Congress over the role and influence of the RSS in India’s public life. The Congress has often questioned the organisation’s ideological stance and transparency, while the BJP and its supporters defend it as a cultural and social body engaged in nation-building activities.

So far, the RSS has not issued a detailed public response to the specific allegations made by Kharge. The matter has added to the broader political debate as parties prepare for upcoming electoral contests in several states.

As the verbal sparring continues, the focus remains on the claims regarding funding and accountability, issues that are likely to remain part of the larger political discourse in the coming weeks.