In his latest attack on the RSS, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge Monday said the Sangh had refused to register itself as it feared falling under the tax ambit.
He was responding to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s remarks Sunday when he said that after Independence the Indian government did not make registration compulsory.
“We are categorised as (a) body of individuals. We are (a) recognized organisation,” Bhagwat had said, dismissing criticism by Congress leaders and termed donations received by the organisation as “guru dakshina” (teacher’s honorarium) — which was outside Income Tax purview.
The minister, who is the son of Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, told reporters: “Can me or you start a body of individuals or association of people and claim donations received as guru dakshina. Will the Income Tax Department and ED allow it? Will government approve?”
“They are not registering because they will come under tax ambit. Questions will be asked. For this sole reason, they are not registering themselves. They want to be above the law… above the Constitution,” he said.
