Kharge Questions BJP's Reaction To RSS Transparency Demand

Kalaburagi: Refusing to back down amid criticism from BJP leaders, Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Wednesday questioned why the BJP was opposing his demand for greater transparency from the RSS when RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat himself was reportedly willing to show all documents.

“Dr Mohan Bhagwat states, RSS is a body of individuals and need not be registered and the body of individuals need not pay taxes (which they get as “guru dakshina”),” Kharge said in a post on X.

“He had stated that the RSS has economic units and they keep track and audit everything to the last paise - if the Government asks RSS to show the audit or any other reports, RSS will immediately show it as they are law abiding,” he added.

The Home Minister then questioned the BJP, “If the RSS chief himself is willing to show all documents, why are BJP leaders getting so upset like jilted lovers?”

A few days ago, Priyank Kharge had written to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat asking the organisation to register itself, disclose its finances, pay applicable taxes and function as a transparent and accountable body. He had also called on the RSS to use its centenary year for "constitutional introspection" rather than mere celebration.

The letter triggered a sharp political debate, drawing reactions from BJP leaders and RSS supporters across the country.