Cong accuses RSS of hiring US lobbying firm with Pak links

The Congress on Thursday, Nov 13, accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of “betraying national interest” by engaging a US-based law firm linked to Pakistan to promote its interests abroad.
In a post on X, Congress communication chief Jairam Ramesh alleged that the RSS had spent a significant amount of money to hire Squire Patton Boggs (SPB), a prominent American law and lobbying firm which he described as “one of Pakistan’s official lobbying arms”.
The Congress leader also referred to a recent statement by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, who purportedly admitted that the organisation was not registered and did not pay taxes.
“A few days ago, the RSS chief acknowledged that the Sangh is not a registered organisation and does not pay taxes. Now, we have learnt that the RSS has spent a significant amount of money to engage one of Pakistan’s official lobbying arms,” Ramesh wrote.

Calling the development “yet another act of betrayal”, Ramesh accused the RSS of having a historical record of opposing the national freedom movement and India’s constitutional values.
Karnataka HC refuses to quash POCSO case against Yediyurappa
The Karnataka High Court on Thursday, Nov 13, refused to quash the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act case filed against former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa.
Justice MI Arun upheld the trial court’s February 28 order taking cognisance of the alleged offence and issuing summons to the senior BJP leader. However, the court directed that Yediyurappa’s personal appearance should not be insisted upon unless necessary during the course of the trial, adding that any exemption plea filed on his behalf should be entertained unless his presence is deemed essential. The single-judge bench also clarified that Yediyurappa is free to seek discharge from the trial court. Earlier, on February 7, the High Court had set aside the trial court’s first order of cognizance, observing that there was no proper application of mind, but had upheld the validity of the investigation and the final report. Following this, the Special Court passed a fresh cognizance order on February 28, which was later stayed by the High Court.