RSS is devil, BJP its shadow: Priyank Kharge's jab at organisation's funding

Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge compared the RSS to the “devil” and called the BJP its “shadow”, alleging money laundering and questioning the organisation’s funding sources, registration status and accountability under the Constitution.

Priyank Kharge, Karnataka IT-BT and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj minister (File Photo: ITG)

Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), likening it to the “devil” and describing the BJP as its “shadow”, while also accusing the organisation of financial irregularities and questioning its legal status.

Addressing a public event, Kharge, who holds the IT-BT and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj portfolios, said the BJP draws its ideological strength from the RSS and that political opponents must confront the parent body rather than just its political arm.

“If there were no RSS, the BJP would have been worse than JD(S). I can give this in writing — it would have been worse than regional parties,” he said. “What we are doing today is fighting the shadow of the devil. Who is the shadow of the devil? It’s the BJP. Who is the devil? It’s the RSS. If we stop fighting the shadow and fight the devil, our country will automatically improve.”

ALLEGES MONEY LAUNDERING, SEEKS SCRUTINY

Kharge also accused the RSS of indulging in “money laundering” and questioned the source of its funds. He claimed that the organisation has a network of more than 2,500 affiliated bodies, including some based in countries such as the United States and England.

“It (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 alleged.

He demanded that the same legal and constitutional standards applicable to other organisations and citizens should apply to the RSS as well.

“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,” he said.

QUESTIONS LEGAL STATUS, ACCOUNTABILITY

Later speaking to reporters, Kharge pointed out that the RSS is an unregistered organisation and asked whether it considers itself “above the law or 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?” he asked.

Referring to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s past remarks that the organisation is a body of individuals, Kharge said even clubs and associations are registered entities.

“Mohan Bhagwat says it is a body of individuals. So is Bangalore Club; have they not registered? Are they not paying taxes?” he asked.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/karnataka/story/rss-is-devil-bjp-its-shadow-priyank-kharge-jab-organisation-funding-legal-status-2868776-2026-02-16