New Delhi
Congress leader Udit Raj on Thursday strongly criticised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) over its centenary celebrations, calling it a “terror organisation” that promoted the ideology behind Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination.
Speaking on Gandhi Jayanti, Raj said it was “unfortunate” and “insulting” that an “anti-national organisation” was being glorified on the birthday of the Father of the Nation. The RSS, founded by Dr. K.B. Hedgewar in 1925, is marking its 100th year, with this year’s celebrations coinciding with both Gandhi Jayanti and Vijayadashami.
Raj, while greeting people on Vijayadashami, questioned the timing and nature of the celebrations. “Those who truly follow Lord Ram must be wondering what is happening. The way the organisation linked to Gandhi’s assassin is being honoured is deeply saddening,” he told IANS. He further alleged that the RSS and its ideology were directly responsible for Gandhi’s death.
Condemning the release of a commemorative postal stamp and coin to mark the centenary, Raj said, “First, they killed Gandhi ji, and now they are insulting him. This is nothing but an attempt to cling to power. The RSS has no role in today’s society.”
He also attacked the Sangh for being exclusionary. “If the RSS is truly for Hindus, then why has its chief always been a Brahmin? Why not a backward, Dalit, or even a woman?” he asked. Calling the organisation “anti-national,” Raj repeated his charge of it being a “terror group.”
