RSS Denies Congress Allegations of Hiring US Lobbying Firm, Reaffirms Working Only in Bharat

Sunil Ambekar, the Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh of RSS, has categorically denied allegations that the organization hired a lobbying firm in the United States.

New Delhi:

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has firmly rejected accusations made by the Congress Party regarding its alleged engagement with a foreign lobbying firm in the United States. Sunil Ambekar, the RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, issued an official statement emphasizing that the organization operates exclusively within Bharat and has not contracted any lobbying firms in America.

In a message posted on social media platform X, Ambekar stated clearly: "Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh works in Bharat and has not engaged any lobbying firm in United States of America."

This response follows Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's strong criticism of RSS on Thursday. Ramesh had claimed, based on a media report, that the organization allegedly "spent a significant amount of money to engage one of Pakistan's official lobbying arms - the American law firm Squire Patton Boggs (SPB) to represent its interests in the United States."

Ramesh further escalated his attack by accusing the RSS of "betraying national interest," drawing connections to what he characterized as the organization's historical opposition to India's freedom movement and key national figures. "This is hardly the first time that the RSS - with its long tradition of betraying the freedom movement, opposing Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Ambedkar, and attacking the Constitution and the national flag of India - has betrayed national interest. It is a pseudo-nationalist outfit," Ramesh stated on X.

The controversy emerges against the backdrop of recent statements by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat regarding the organization's tax status. Bhagwat had previously explained why RSS does not pay income tax, noting that both the Income Tax Department and courts have recognized the RSS as a "body of individuals," which exempts it from certain tax obligations.

Speaking at the "100 Years of Sangh Journey: New Horizons" lecture series, Bhagwat elaborated: "The Sangh started in 1925. Do you expect us to register with the British government? We were banned thrice, and each time the courts dismissed the ban. Legally and constitutionally, we are a valid organization." He added that "even Hindu Dharma is not registered."

Bhagwat's comments were made in response to questions raised by Congress leaders, including Priyank Kharge, who had questioned the RSS's unregistered status and sources of funding. Kharge alleged that the organization avoids registration to evade financial scrutiny and tax responsibilities.

Additionally, Priyank Kharge has called for a prohibition on RSS activities in government educational institutions and state-owned temples, arguing that permissions should not be granted for activities outside the prescribed syllabus in government schools and colleges.