A group of RSS well-wishers has registered with the U.S. Department of Justice as a foreign agent of the organisation, aiming to step up outreach in the U.S.
“RSS Friends does not have a written employment, consulting, lobbying, public-relations, or agency agreement with RSS containing specified deliverables, compensation, or detailed operational instructions,” the group said. It said the absence of a written contract should not be understood as a representation that no relationship, request, understanding, coordination, authorisation, direction, or other relevant factual connection exists. “RSS Friends will disclose the actual facts relevant to its activities,” it said. The group said its proposed activities are primarily informational, educational, public-relations, and community engagement activities.
The registration of RSS Friends was submitted two days before RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s outreach programme Universal Oneness Celebration at New York’s Madison Square Garden on August 29.
“Consistent with its governing documents and applicable law, it may communicate with members of the public, journalists, media organisations, researchers, academic and policy institutions, community leaders, civil-society organisations, and, where appropriate, government agencies or officials,” the group said. “The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is an unincorporated India-based body of individuals/voluntary association,” it said. Earlier reporting noted: “This is hardly the first time that the RSS has betrayed national interest,” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said in response to the matter at the time.
Earlier reporting noted: “RSS Friends’ proposed activities are primarily informational, educational, public-relations, and community-engagement activities.
