Congress wants inquiry over Twitter aid to 'Sewa International'

The Congress party questioned the financial aid given by the Twitter CEO to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh affiliated NGO "Sewa International" to support relief efforts in India's ongoing Covid-19 second wave.

New Delhi: The Congress party on Wednesday made serious allegations against Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) affiliated NGO "Sewa International", demanding a judicial enquiry over the financial aid of $2.5 million given to it by CEO of Twitter, Jack Dorsey.

This comes a day after Dorsey donated $15 million to three NGOs, in his personal capacity to support India's relief work during the Covid-19 pandemic. These three NGOs also include the name of Sewa International, which is affiliated with the right-wing RSS.

While speaking over the matter, Congress' senior leader Rashid Alvi said, "The way in which RSS affiliated NGO is gaining money from Twitter, isn't it a misuse of power? The entire world knows about BJP's greed for money and power. But gaining money in such manner does not only prove that it is a misuse of power but also shows that they will surely give some advantage in return."

Demanding a judicial inquiry over this matter, Alvi questioned, "Why this money was allotted? Where this money is being utilized? The entire country wants to know whether this aid will be used for the relief work of Covid-19 or for the benefit of RSS?"

The matter sparked a row on Twitter after Dorsey defined Sewa International as a "Hindu faith-based, humanitarian, non-profit service organization."

Many of the Twitter users asked Dorsey not to donate money to Sewa International, alleging that it works for the welfare of RSS.

However, Sandeep Khadkekar, the vice president of Sewa International, thanked Dorsey for the donation and ensured that the money would be utilized in relief aid of Covid-19.

"We are a volunteer-driven non-profit organisation, and we believe in serving all, following the sacred Hindu benediction, 'Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah'," he said.