As Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat delivered a speech focusing on “universal oneness” at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, a coalition of nearly 90 American politicians announced a collective pledge to refuse political campaign contributions from entities and individuals tied to the organisation. Initiated by Hindus for Human Rights Action and SACRED Acts, the six-page non-violence pledge binds candidates and elected officials across eight US states spanning both Democratic and Republican parties to reject funds connected to the RSS and its affiliates, while also committing them to opposing political violence and intimidation.
High-Profile Signatories and Immediate Financial Steps:
Prominent figures backing the pledge include US Representatives Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, and Robin Kelly, alongside Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed and New York congressional nominee Brad Lander. Highlighting the practical impact of the pledge, Congressman Ro Khanna announced he was immediately returning a $6,600 contribution tied to a pro-MAGA billionaire with links to the RSS. Khanna emphasized his intent to prevent external groups from establishing political action committees (PACs) to sway American elections.
Broader Scrutiny and Canadian Financial Inquiries:
The campaign highlights growing friction surrounding political fundraising channels in the United States, where tracing funds linked to international socio-political groups can be complicated by PAC structures and individual donors. Organizers from groups like SACRED Acts and Hindus for Human Rights Action argue that the pledge serves as a necessary pushback against foreign extremist influence. Concurrently, parallel actions are unfolding internationally; in Canada, human rights advocacy group Just Peace Advocates filed a formal complaint with the Canada Revenue Agency urging an audit of the charitable status of several registered organizations following reports tracking substantial fund flows between foreign Hindutva groups and overseas networks.
