Thane, Maharashtra: In a startling courtroom revelation, Rajesh Kunte, a senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) functionary, told a Thane court that some RSS volunteers commemorate the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Kunte also admitted that he had personally participated in such an observance during his youth. The statement was made during a defamation case he filed against congress leader Rahul Gandhi for linking the RSS to Gandhi’s assassination.
The testimony emerged during a cross-examination conducted by Rahul Gandhi’s lawyers, Sudeep Pasbola and Narayan Iyer. Kunte, previously the Karyavahak (Secretary) of the RSS Bhiwandi unit, currently serves as the head of Dharmajagran, Konkan Division, a role he has held since 2022.
“In certain places, RSS volunteers commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary, but not within RSS offices,” Kunte stated before the court. “It is true that official RSS offices do not observe the anniversary. However, some volunteers do so independently. In 1991, I also participated in one such commemoration,” he admitted.
Details of the Court Testimony
According to Kunte’s statement, he independently decided to file the defamation case against Rahul Gandhi, even though he was granted verbal permission by the Sanghchalak of Bhiwandi. The case revolves around Gandhi’s 2014 campaign speech, in which he allegedly accused the RSS of being involved in Gandhi’s assassination. The speech, delivered at a lok Sabha election rally, was attended by senior Congress leaders including Vishwanath Patil, Radhakrushna Vikhe Patil, Prithviraj Chavan, Narayan Rane, and Manikrao Thakre.
When asked about the CD recording of the speech, Kunte conceded that it was not attached to his complaint and that he lacked a Section 65B certificate—a legal requirement to validate electronic evidence.
About the RSS Structure and Membership
Kunte clarified before the court that the RSS operates as a voluntary organization without a formal membership process, pledges, or fees. The Sangh does not maintain a register or issue identity cards to its members. According to Kunte, the RSS currently has approximately 50–60 lakh volunteers and about 60,000 branches across India.
| Key Facts About RSS (as stated in court) | Details |
|---|---|
| Nature of Organization | Voluntary; no formal membership or fee |
| Estimated Volunteers | 50–60 lakh across India |
| Number of Branches | Approximately 60,000 |
| Identity Documentation | No ID cards or membership registers maintained |
| Office Imagery | Bhiwandi office has no Gandhi photo; some Pune offices do |
References to Gandhi’s Assassination
Kunte said he was aware of the nine suspects accused in the 1948 assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, identifying Nathuram Godse, Narayan Apte, Dattatraya Parchure, Vishnu Karkare, Madanlal Pahwa, and Gopal Godse among them. He informed the court that four received life sentences, while two, including Godse and Apte, were executed. “I was told that apart from Nathuram Godse, other convicts had links with the RSS,” he said.
Kunte also confirmed that RSS leader M.S. Golwalkar had written to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel urging him to lift the ban on the RSS imposed after Gandhi’s assassination. “Patel responded positively and respected the Sangh’s plea. Sardar Patel remains a revered figure in the RSS,” Kunte noted.
RSS Stance and Ideological Context
When asked whether the RSS opposed Gandhi’s ideology, Kunte maintained that “there was no ideological conflict between Mahatma Gandhi and the RSS.” He added, “In my opinion, the RSS never opposed Gandhi. I only have hearsay information on this and have not read specific literature to that effect.”
Kunte attributed Gandhi’s assassination to his opposition to the Partition of India, his efforts to promote harmony with Muslims, and his decision to transfer ₹55 crore to Pakistan. “It is incorrect to say the RSS opposed Gandhi for these reasons,” he emphasized.
Views on Literature and Ideological Works
During the cross-examination, Kunte said he was familiar with various works on Gandhi’s life and death, including writings by Tushar Gandhi and Rajmohan Gandhi. He mentioned reading “Sardar Charitra,” though he could not recall its publisher. He also acknowledged awareness of Gopal Godse’s controversial book, “Why I Killed Gandhi.”
Kunte’s Clarifications and Denials
Kunte firmly denied any direct link between Nathuram Godse and the RSS. “I personally condemn Nathuram Godse’s actions. However, I have no proof that the RSS formally did so. I never inquired or felt the need to,” he remarked.
He also confirmed that the RSS was banned again during the Emergency in 1975, when many of its volunteers were detained by the then Congress-led government. Despite political turmoil, Kunte stated that the RSS continues to sell literature promoting Gandhi’s ideas at its headquarters in Reshimbagh, Nagpur, and other branches across the country.
Summary of Key Court Statements
| Topic | Kunte’s Statement |
|---|---|
| Commemoration of Gandhi’s Death | Some volunteers observe it independently, not officially by RSS |
| Participation | Admitted personal participation in 1991 |
| Evidence Against Rahul Gandhi | No CD or Section 65B certificate submitted |
| Godse’s RSS Connection | No direct proof linking Godse to RSS |
| RSS and Gandhi Ideology | No ideological opposition, per Kunte |
Conclusion
The Thane court testimony of Rajesh Kunte has reignited discussions about the RSS’s historical relationship with Mahatma Gandhi and the events surrounding his assassination. While Kunte’s statements suggest that certain volunteers commemorate Gandhi’s death individually, he maintained that the RSS as an organization never officially endorsed such practices. The case continues to draw political attention as the legal proceedings progress against Rahul Gandhi for alleged defamation.
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