Karnataka Minister Links RSS Security Protection to Demand For Financial Transparency

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday defended his call for greater transparency from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), saying the state government has a legitimate interest in knowing more about organisations whose public events require security arrangements from the Home Department. His remarks come amid a political controversy over a letter he recently sent to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.

Responding to criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Kharge questioned why his request for information had sparked opposition. "When RSS marches in public, who gives them security? The Home Department gives them security, right? So I want to know who I am giving security to," he said, arguing that the demand for transparency was linked to the department's responsibility for public safety and law and order.

The controversy began after Kharge wrote to Bhagwat seeking details about the RSS's organisational status, sources of funding, income, expenditure and assets. The letter triggered sharp reactions from BJP leaders, who criticised the minister's move and accused him of targeting the organisation for political reasons.

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Kharge, however, maintained that his request was reasonable and aimed at ensuring accountability. He reiterated that organisations conducting large public gatherings and marches should be transparent about their structure and operations, particularly when government resources are deployed to provide security and manage public events.

The exchange has added to the ongoing political sparring between the ruling Congress government in Karnataka and the BJP over issues related to the RSS. While the BJP continues to oppose Kharge's demand, the minister has defended his position by emphasising the Home Department's responsibility to safeguard public events and ensure effective security arrangements.

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