Nagpur: Vishwa Hindu Parishad General Secretary Milind Parande on Tuesday strongly rejected remarks by Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge questioning the financial transparency and legal status of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Parande said Kharge’s comments were an attempt to undermine patriotic organisations but would not succeed in damaging their credibility.
He asserted that the RSS is fully capable of responding to any queries regarding its functioning and accused the Congress leader of making baseless allegations against Hindutva groups.
The VHP leader’s response came after Kharge, speaking at a book launch event in Bengaluru, raised concerns about the sources of funding for the RSS and its affiliated bodies.
He claimed that nearly 2,500 organisations are linked to the RSS and alleged that funds are being collected from countries including the United States and the United Kingdom.
Based on this, Kharge suggested there could be a large-scale money laundering operation connected to the organisation.
Kharge also questioned the concept of “Guru Dakshina,” stating that the RSS equates it with offering respect to the saffron flag. Drawing a parallel, he argued that anyone could hoist a flag and begin collecting funds and asked whether such a practice would be legally acceptable.
He maintained that he would continue pressing for the RSS to be formally registered under constitutional and legal provisions.
In addition, Kharge criticised what he described as the politicisation of religious texts, alleging that interpretations of the Ramayana were being altered for political objectives.
Referring indirectly to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, he also took aim at leaders who comment on social matters while remaining personally detached from accountability.
