RSS Is an Unregistered Money-Laundering Unit’: Priyank Kharge’s Fresh Attack

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge Calls RSS ‘Unregistered Money-Laundering Unit’, Sparks Political Row

Bengaluru/Hyderabad: Karnataka Home Minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge has launched a fresh attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), calling it an “unregistered money-laundering unit” and alleging that it carries out illegal activities in the name of religion.

Speaking at a press conference in Hyderabad on October 5, Kharge said, “RSS is nothing but an unregistered money-laundering unit that, in the name of religion, is doing all illegal activities.” The remarks were reported by multiple news outlets. 

Kharge was defending senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, who has also criticised the RSS and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) over their advocacy of Hindutva. Kharge drew a distinction between Hinduism and Hindutva, arguing that the RSS should not claim to be the sole protector of Hinduism. 

The Karnataka minister has previously questioned the RSS's legal status, seeking details about its registration, assets, funding and audited accounts. The RSS has maintained that it functions as a “body of individuals” and does not require formal registration in the manner suggested by its critics. 

Kharge’s latest remarks are likely to intensify the ongoing political confrontation between the Congress and the BJP over the RSS. The allegations regarding money laundering and illegal activities are Kharge’s political claims and should not be treated as established findings by a court or investigating agency. A criminal defamation case related to earlier statements about the RSS is also pending against Kharge and Congress leader Mohammed Haris Nalapad.