Lalu credits wife for RSS dropping half-pants

RJD chief Lalu Prasad on Wednesday credited his wife and former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi for the change in the RSS's dress code from khaki shorts to trousers.

"We forced the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) members to wear trousers. Rabri Devi had pointed out their (RSS men's) lack of decency. Elderly cadres shamelessly roamed around freely in half-pants," Lalu told reporters here.

Lalu took the dig at the right-wing organisation a day after its members started wearing trousers, bidding adieu to the shorts -- their traditional uniform with white half-sleeved shirt for decades.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal leader said it was his wife's January remark "Aren't the RSS oldies ashamed to wear half-pants in public?" that embarrassed the Hindu organistaion.

"Rabri Devi's comment forced the change in RSS' dress code," Lalu said.

Lalu also tweeted that the RSS would similarly be forced to change its mindset. "Right now, we have forced them to wear trousers... but their thinking also needs a transformation... we will force them to shun weapons and would not allow them to spread venom."

Rabri Devi had earlier faced criticism from several top leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party, including union ministers, for her comments.

A senior BJP leader and Bihar's former Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi had even ridiculed her, saying, "She is a woman with a mindset of the 19th century."

In March, the RSS announced that its members would do away with the traditional khaki shorts and wear the trousers with white shirt.

--IANS

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