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The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), often described as the world’s largest ‘cultural’ organization, is currently constructing a new headquarters in New Delhi. The project, which commenced in 2016, has been the subject of much speculation, particularly regarding its funding and the total budget involved. Social media reports have thrown around figures as high as INR 45,000 crores, suggesting that the cost of the new RSS headquarters is more than double that of the Central Vista redevelopment project.
These reports have raised eyebrows, given that the RSS is not a registered non-governmental organization (NGO) and is not subject to audits or covered by the Income Tax Act. This lack of financial transparency has led to questions about how the RSS raises its funds and whether it receives foreign contributions.
Despite the controversies, the construction of the new headquarters, named ‘Keshav Kunj,’ is progressing, to complete the first of three towers within a year. The RSS has been operating from the Udasin Ashram in the national capital while the construction is underway. According to news agency IANS, the RSS office-bearers are actively seeking donations from supporters who align with their ideology, and it is reported that BJP office-bearers are also aiding the organization
The new building, sprawling across 3.5 lakh square feet, will not only serve as an office but is expected to become a significant center for the RSS and its affiliate organizations. Although the RSS’s main headquarters will remain in Nagpur, the new Delhi headquarters will hold prominence due to the strategic importance of the capital for decision-making.
The RSS’s approach to funding its projects through societal support and donations continues to be a topic of debate. Notable figures like Prakash Ambedkar have publicly questioned the organization’s lack of registration and tax payments. As the construction of Keshav Kunj nears completion, these discussions are likely to intensify, highlighting the complex relationship between the RSS’s cultural influence and its financial operations.
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