Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge has triggered a fresh political storm after launching a fierce attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), calling it the “devil” and describing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as its “shadow.” Speaking at a public event on Sunday, Kharge not only questioned the ideological role of the RSS but also raised serious allegations about its funding and legal status.
Holding key portfolios including IT-BT and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj in the Karnataka government, Kharge argued that the BJP draws its ideological strength from the RSS. He claimed that political opponents often focus on the BJP without confronting what he described as its ideological parent body. “If there were no RSS, the BJP would have been worse than JDS. I can give this in writing — it would have been worse than regional parties,” he said.
Using a striking metaphor, Kharge told the gathering, “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.” His remarks quickly circulated across social media platforms, intensifying the political debate.
Kharge went further by accusing the RSS of financial irregularities. He alleged that the organisation operates a network of more than 2,500 affiliated bodies, including some based in countries such as the United States and England. According to him, funds are being received through these networks, and he questioned the transparency of such transactions. “They take money from them. I am telling you that these people are into money laundering,” he alleged, without presenting documentary evidence during the speech.
Later, speaking to reporters, Kharge questioned the legal structure of the RSS. He asked whether the organisation considers itself above the Constitution or the law. “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 said.
Referring to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Kharge cited past remarks in which Bhagwat described the RSS as a body of individuals rather than a registered entity. Kharge countered this by pointing out that even clubs and associations operate under formal registration and comply with taxation norms. He questioned why similar standards should not apply to the RSS.
One of his strongest criticisms focused on the tradition of ‘Guru Dakshina,’ voluntary donations collected within the organisation. Kharge demanded clarity about who contributes these funds and how they are accounted for. “Where is their Guru Dakshina coming from? Who is paying it? When every rupee of others is being accounted for, why is there no accountability for their money?” he asked.
As of now, the RSS has not issued an official response to these allegations. The BJP has also not formally reacted to the specific comments made at the event. Political observers believe the remarks may deepen ideological divisions and could lead to sharp counterstatements in the coming days.
The latest controversy adds another chapter to the ongoing political tussle between Congress and the BJP. While Congress leaders frequently accuse the RSS of influencing government policy through ideological alignment, the BJP maintains that the RSS is a cultural organisation dedicated to nation-building. Kharge’s remarks are expected to resonate beyond Karnataka, shaping political discourse in the weeks ahead.