BJP, VHP tear into Priyank over RSS money-laundering jibe

Bengaluru: The Karnataka unit of BJP and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) Monday launched a sharp attack on IT-BT minister Priyank Kharge over his remarks on RSS, questioning the Congress party's record and political stance. In a strongly worded statement, BJP state president BY Vijayendra said, "Before questioning the registration of other organisations, Priyank should first ensure registration of the Karnataka unit of Congress, headed by his father Mallikarjun Kharge, is not cancelled."
Priyank, at an event in Bengaluru Sunday, tore into RSS, questioning its funding and alleging it a "network" that "more than 2,500 organisations, including in America and England" and alleged "these people are into money laundering". "Where is their guru dakshina (donation) coming from," he asked, adding "When every rupee of others is being accounted for, why is there no accountability for their (RSS) money." In sharp rebuke, VHP called the remarks an "attempt to insult patriotic organisations and defame individuals associated with them". Milind Parande, VHP national organisational secretary, said such remarks only reduce the acceptance of those making them in society. "They are trying to increase their credibility and trying to indulge in appeasement (with such remarks), both of which will not succeed," he said. "There are many forces and persons in India who have a problem with the awakening of Hindutva. They come up with such nonsense. Using such words and insulting patriotic organisations shows their intellectual bankruptcy." Vijayendra earlier alleged that targeting RSS, belittling Hinduism and singling out pro-Hindu activists were part of what he described as Congress's "hidden agenda". He accused the Kharge family of enjoying "prolonged political power" but claimed Kalyana Karnataka region (the Kharges are from Kalaburagi) remained backward despite their leadership. "What contribution has Priyank made to the development of the region after becoming a minister?" he asked, alleging criticism of the RSS was aimed at covering up failures and gaining publicity. He alleged that Kharge's remarks reflected a mindset that "appeased anti-national forces" and insulted the Hindu faith. Using mythological imagery, Vijayendra said just as Lord Shiva consumed poison to bring forth nectar, RSS had stood firm against "anti-Hindu venomous forces". He compared Congress to the invasive parthenium weed. Priyank had also likened RSS to a demon and described BJP as its shadow. "We are fighting the shadow; if we fight the demon directly, the country will progress," he said, questioning why RSS should not be registered like other clubs and associations. Priyank defended his comments and countered BJP, saying: "Kalyana Karnataka is a backward region. If you had understood that this regional imbalance has historical and geographical reasons, the BJP-led central govt would not have refused to grant special status under Article 371J." He also took a swipe at Vijayendra, saying, "Was not your father BS Yediyurappa a four-time chief minister? Why was Shivamogga not developed like Singapore? The Anti-Communal Task Force was not formed to draw rangoli designs, but to curb communal conflicts and maintain peace and harmony."