US Politicians Reject RSS Funding Amid Bhagwat’s Speech in New York

In a significant political development, nearly 90 American politicians have pledged to reject any political donations from organizations associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in the wake of RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent speech at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. This pledge comes just two days after Bhagwat’s address, which promoted a vision of “universal oneness”.

The initiative, announced on Monday by the advocacy groups Hindus for Human Rights Action and SACRED Acts, is aimed at reinforcing democratic values and rejecting political violence. The signatories, including members of Congress, state legislators, and local officials from various political backgrounds, have committed to not only avoiding donations linked to the RSS but also to returning any funds that they may have already received from its affiliates.

Among the notable figures who endorsed this pledge are Congress members Pramila Jayapal (Washington), Ro Khanna (California), and Robin Kelly (Illinois). Also included is Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for the Senate from Michigan, as well as New York’s Brad Lander, who has been vocal against Bhagwat’s rhetoric and participated in protests during the event.

The pledge spans across eight states and seeks to engage politicians from both the Democratic and Republican parties, emphasizing a collective stand against the influence of extremist ideologies in American politics. It also advocates for the return of any contributions received from RSS-linked entities and the allocation of such funds to organizations that promote democracy and civil rights.

This move highlights the growing concern among American lawmakers regarding the potential implications of foreign-funded political activities on domestic democratic principles. As global interactions and political fundraising evolve, the involvement of organizations like the RSS has sparked scrutiny and prompted this significant political stand from nearly 90 elected officials, reinforcing the commitment to uphold democratic integrity and prevent any form of political intimidation.

Source: scroll.in