90 US Politicians Reject RSS Funds After Mohan Bhagwat's Visit

Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), recently visited the US and addressed a gathering at New York City's Madison Square Garden. The event, titled 'Universal Oneness Celebration', focused on interfaith dialogue and universal oneness. However, the visit has sparked a political fallout, with 90 US politicians signing a pledge to reject political donations from individuals and organisations associated with the RSS.

The pledge was launched by Hindus for Human Rights Action and the South Asian American Coalition to Renew Democracy Acts (SACRED Acts) on August 31. The campaign has attracted support from politicians across eight US states, including members of Congress, state lawmakers, mayors, and local representatives. The signatories have committed to refusing contributions from RSS-linked sources and have also urged others to reject political violence and intimidation.

The six-page pledge has been signed by prominent politicians, including Indian-origin lawmakers Ro Khanna and Pramila Jayapal. Other notable signatories include Michigan-based epidemiologist and US Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, Washington Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, California Representative Ro Khanna, and Illinois Representative Robin Kelly.

Hindus for Human Rights Action, the organisation behind the pledge, describes itself as a US political advocacy group focused on building a movement for Hindus who seek to protect democracy, human rights, and pluralism. The group has expressed concerns over the RSS's alleged attempts to undermine democracy in India and has accused the organisation of promoting Hindu nationalism.

The pledge has also called for signatories to return or donate any money previously accepted from RSS-linked sources to organisations that support democracy. The move is seen as a significant blow to the RSS, which has been accused of promoting extremist ideologies and undermining democratic values.

The RSS has been at the centre of controversy in recent years, with many accusing the organisation of promoting Hindu nationalism and intolerance. The organisation's leaders have also been criticised for their remarks on Muslims and other minority groups.

The US politicians' pledge to reject RSS funds is a significant development, highlighting the growing concerns over the organisation's activities and ideology. The move is likely to have implications for the RSS's operations in the US and may also impact its relationships with other political organisations and individuals.

In the context of Indian politics, the RSS has been a major player, with many of its members holding key positions in the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The organisation's ideology has also been influential in shaping the BJP's policies and agendas.

The development is significant for India-US relations, as it highlights the growing concerns over the RSS's activities and ideology. The US has long been a critical player in promoting democracy and human rights globally, and the pledge by US politicians to reject RSS funds reflects the country's commitment to these values.

In conclusion, the pledge by 90 US politicians to reject RSS funds is a significant development that highlights the growing concerns over the organisation's activities and ideology. The move is likely to have implications for the RSS's operations in the US and may also impact its relationships with other political organisations and individuals. It also reflects the US's commitment to promoting democracy and human rights globally.