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New Delhi, Nov 10 (IANS) Reacting to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent comments defending the character of the organization and clarifying misconceptions about its ideology, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal on Monday praised Bhagwat for clearly explaining the philosophy of the RSS, and described his contribution to nation building as selfless and apolitical.
Khandelwal said, “Mohan Bhagwat has clearly explained the philosophy of the RSS. We all know that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is the largest volunteer organization in the world, and whenever the country has needed assistance, the first organization to respond has always been the RSS.”
He said the RSS’s contribution to nation building and disaster relief has always been “selfless and apolitical”, reflecting its commitment to the idea of a united and strong India.
Khandelwal’s statement comes a day after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed the allegations made by political leaders in Karnataka, including calls for a ban on the Sangh’s activities.
Bhagwat stressed that the RSS does not require registration or taxation, as it functions as a “body of persons” and operates well within the framework of the Indian Constitution.
During his address, Bhagwat said, “The RSS was founded in 1925, so do you expect us to be registered with the British government? After independence, the Indian government did not make registration mandatory. We are classified as a body of persons, and we are a recognized organisation.”
Responding to critics, he said, “We were banned thrice, so the government has recognized us. If we were not there, who did they ban?”
However, the Congress party strongly criticized Bhagwat’s remarks. Congress state general secretary Rakesh Sinha accused the RSS of hypocrisy and alleged that it wants political dominance under the guise of nationalism.
“The RSS only wants power, yet claims to speak in the national interest. How can an organization which did not hoist the national flag at its headquarters for 52 years after Independence, talk about nationalism? The same RSS which expressed happiness after the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, claims to work for the welfare of the country?” Sinha said.
–IANS
RS/DPB