We are not hosting any Iftar, says RSS

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Thursday said that contrary to media reports it is not hosting any Iftar party and the reports to this effect are "factually incorrect".

"The media reports on RSS hosting an Iftar party are factually incorrect. We are not organising any such party," RSS Prachar Pramukh Manmohan Vaidya told IANS.

"The Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), which is organising Iftar, is an independent Muslim organisation to create national awareness," he added.

Asked if RSS supports MRM's Iftar party, Vaidya said, "It is Muslims hosting Iftar for Muslims. What have we got to do with it and why would we have any objection?"

Reports about RSS hosting an Iftar party emerged, particularly in the Urdu media, after MRM -- an organisation said to be affiliated to the RSS -- announced it will host an Iftar party on July 2.

RSS leader Indresh Kumar is the "Margdarshak" (guide) of MRM.

However, Vaidya said that Indresh Kumar has no formal connection with MRM.

"Indreshji is a senior RSS functionary and keeps contact with MRM. He does not hold any formal position in MRM," Vaidya said.

On the Sangh's relationship with MRM, Vaidya said, "RSS shares views of MRM on national issues and supports national awareness programmes of MRM as any national cause."

The MRM was founded in 2002 with the blessings of the RSS and was initially called 'Rashtravadi Muslim Andolan-Ek Nayi Raah,' with the stated aim of bridging the gap between Hindus and Muslims in India.

The body was re-christened 'Muslim Rashtriya Manch' in 2005.

--IANS

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