RSS has created beef issue, says Deve Gowda

Former prime minister H.D. Deve Gowda on Saturday accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangha (RSS) of creating the beef issue in the nation and added that all these issues pertain to the problems of its own party.

"The beef issue is being created by the RSS and also by some of the sitting members of the Lok Sabha. These are all issues pertaining to the internal problems of their own party. RSS is the mother of all these political wings. BJP is the political wing of RSS. Bajrang Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad are all political wings," Gowda told ANI here.

Commenting on the growing intolerance in the country due to which many awardees are returning their awards, Gowda said, "The issue is the concerned person who was involved in the assassination has to be stressed upon and he should be punished. The government of Karnataka has taken some steps. I do not want to jump to conclusion."

"If awardees want to return awards, what can I do for that? Whether it is provocated by X, Y or Z; won't answer on this issue. It is the concern of the state government. I do not want to use any harsh words against anybody," he added.