RSS-India are synonymous: JDU questions Sangh's claim

Janata Dal-United (JDU) general secretary Pavan Verma on Sunday questioned Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's claim that Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan had presented RSS and India as being synonymous to each other.

Speaking to ANI, Verma said, "I do not think that Imran Khan has to assist the RSS to prove that India and RSS are one. First of all the agent is wrong, secondly, the assumption is wrong and thirdly the desirability of RSS in India is deeply questionable."

A day after Khan had attacked the RSS at the UN, the Sangh on Saturday said that he had made its name synonymous with India by targeting the RSS as it is against terrorism.

Senior RSS functionary Krishna Gopal yesterday said, "The RSS is only in India and for India. It has no branch anywhere else in the world. Why is Pakistan angry with us? It means if it is angry with Sangh, then it is angry with India. The RSS and India have now become synonymous."

Verma further said that RSS, going by its own claims, is a cultural organisation and represents only a section of Indians.

"India is a nation of diversity, there are many people from different followings here. RSS has itself said that they are willing to discuss anything with any far opponents, it means that India and RSS is not one," Verma said.

The JDU leader added, "We value the diversity and we do not need Imran Khan to impose the conformity on us, which frankly does not exist."

Meanwhile, Verma also supported Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's remarks on Nathuram Godse and said, "I think the time has come for the RSS, some of its spokespersons, some members of Parliament of BJP to clarify their position.