New Delhi, Feb 16 (NationPress) A heated political clash erupted on Monday as the BJP vehemently condemned Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge for his criticisms directed at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The BJP stated that this nationalist organization does not need any "certification" from a leader they described as "mentally bankrupt" from the Congress.

The BJP's remarks followed Kharge's allegations made the previous day in Bengaluru, where he accused the RSS—recognized as the ideological backbone of the BJP—of engaging in "money laundering" and questioned the origins of its funding.

"The RSS operates through over 2,500 affiliated organizations… They receive funding from these entities. I am stating that they are involved in money laundering," Kharge claimed.

He further queried why the organization is unregistered and if it considers itself "above the law or Constitution."

Continuing his critique during a media interaction on Monday, Kharge stated, "It’s unclear how the RSS acquires its funds. Over 2,000 or nearly 2,500 organizations are allegedly supporting the RSS through so-called donations both domestically and internationally. How do they finance lobbying efforts in the US?"

He also asserted, "A document revealed by the United States government indicates that the RSS is lobbying for nation-building in the US. Where is this money coming from? The people of India deserve transparency regarding how this so-called cultural organization is undermining the nation's social fabric; it is doing anything but nation building."

These remarks ignited a flurry of counter-responses from BJP leaders, who came to the RSS' defense and accused the Congress of intentionally maligning patriotic institutions.

BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo told IANS, "The RSS is the world’s largest nationalist organization and doesn’t need validation from individuals like Priyank Kharge, who is mentally unfit. The RSS has played a pivotal role from the freedom struggle to the present day. Even Indira Gandhi acknowledged the RSS.

BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh launched a fierce counter, stating to IANS, "Rahul Gandhi, along with corrupt figures from the INDIA bloc, intentionally aim to defame nationalist entities, the brave Indian Army, and India's institutions under foreign influence. This behavior is a bid to appease their foreign benefactors."

"The RSS, where individuals devote their entire lives to the nation, deserves better than such derogatory remarks, which reflect Kharge's mental bankruptcy," Chugh further emphasized.

BJP National Spokesperson R.P. Singh challenged Kharge to engage directly with the organization, suggesting to IANS, "Priyank Kharge, visit a Shakha sometime, attend a weekly Shakha, and you will grasp what nationalism truly entails. He deliberately makes such notorious statements."

BJP leader Satish Poonia remarked that Kharge's comments stemmed from frustration.

"Kharge has previously used such offensive language and made similar statements, but this reflects his frustration and a sense of despair," he conveyed to IANS.

BJP National Secretary Om Prakash Dhankar critiqued the Congress, stating, "It appears the entire Congress has lost its sanity."