Karnataka IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge asked on Monday why the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was “secretive” and had not registered itself as an NGO if it was one. This came amid the dispute over the RSS planning to hold a route march on Kharge’s turf, Chittapur in Kalaburagi district.
Speaking to reporters, Kharge said, “If you are the world’s largest NGO, shouldn’t you be registered? Why are they so scared of the Indian laws and the Indian Constitution?”
The minister further said that every NGO in the country was registered and that the Government had information about their donors, source of funding—whether domestic or offshore—and other relevant details.
“Everybody knows everything about a voluntary organisation or the NGO in the country, except the RSS. Why? Why are they so secretive? Why aren’t they (a) registered organisation,” he said.
“Can an unregistered organisation be allowed to hold march-pasts across the country?” he said. “What if anything happens? Who is going to be responsible? How can we allow organisations that do not follow the due process of the law?”
Kharge also criticised the advanced security protocol offered to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. The minister said the protocol was meant for the prime minister, Union home minister, and the external affairs minister. “How is taxpayer money being spent on the world’s largest NGOs’ chief? Why do they require so much security?” he said.
The RSS had decided to hold a route march in Chittapur on October 19 but was denied permission by the local administration. It then approached the Karnataka High Court and proposed to hold it on November 2. A meeting held last week by the Kalaburagi district administration between the RSS and Dalit groups that had also planned to hold an event on the same day failed to arrive at a consensus. A fresh meeting between the groups, based on court directions, is scheduled for March 7.
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Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who is also the father of Priyank Kharge, and RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale have also commented on the issue.
‘From Gandhi’s assassination to other acts of violence’
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said the RSS had not cooperated with any progressive activities in its entire history.
“It has played a big role in growing communalism. Many people, inspired by RSS ideology, commit acts of violence—from Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination to other acts of violence,” he said.
Rao said the RSS would be lying if it claimed to be apolitical. “I am not saying the RSS should be banned. But the organisation is a communal organisation (and a) political organisation.”
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On the row over the Government denying permission for marches at Chittapur and a few other places, the minister said the issue would not have arisen if the RSS were not a political organisation.
“Since they are a political organisation and completely involved in politics, such a problem will arise naturally,” he said, adding that the RSS had the right to hold a march-past, but it should be done as per the law.