RSS says no change in stand on Art 370; wants J-K experiment

The RSS today said its stance on Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir has not changed, even as it termed as "teething problems" the friction between BJP and PDP in the state stressing that the "novel experiment" should be given time to succeed.

"RSS's stand on Article 370 has not changed, we will never compromise on it. We want the situation to improve. If the situation does not improve, then we will decide," RSS joint General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said at the first day of the three-day conclave of the apex body of the Sangh.

On BJP's alliance with PDP hitting a rocky patch in Jammu and Kashmir where the saffron party is in government for the first time, Hosabale said though the Sangh "was not happy" with the occurrences, those were "teething problems".

He was addressing the media soon after the brainstorming session of 'Akhil Bhartiya Pratinidhi Sabha', the highest decision and policy making body of the Sangh, kicked off in Nagpur, the seat of RSS, BJP's ideological mentor.

"The country is angry. We don't think what is happening in Jammu and Kashmir is right, but we should not conclude that the government has failed.

"This is a novel experiment. In J&K, no nationalist party had ever reached this point. These are teething problems. We should allow time and opportunity for this experiment to succeed," he said.

"It is good if the alliance succeeds. It is necessary for a nationalist party to endeavour for setting things right in a state like J&K while being in power. A message should go out, in the country and abroad, to our neighbours that such an effort is being made," he said.

He insisted the alliance partners in the state should follow the "coalition dharma" and work in complete coordination. Hosabale said the two parties had narrowed down their differences and arrived at an 'Agenda for Governance' that outlined their common goals.

"The thinking that the alliance should be called off simply because there are some problems is not right, but whether the two parties can together run the government is for them to decide," he said, adding "our best wishes are with them."

He also said, "The issue of J&K is not between two parties in an alliance...It is attached to national sentiment. Both BJP and the prime minister have voiced disapproval over what has happened in Jammu and Kashmir," Hosabale said.