The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) ended its three-day conclave of the Akhil Bharatiya Karyakarini Mandal (ABKM) in Ranchi by paying tributes to slain Kannada writer M.M. Kalburgi and former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
RSS signalled that it wanted to distance itself from “fringe” right-wing elements said to be involved in Mr. Kalburgi’s murder.
Suresh “Bhaiyyaji” Joshi, the second in command of the RSS, also reiterated the organisation’s commitment to the policy of reservation in government jobs to certain sections of society.
“We never said reservation should be relooked. It is compulsory for society, only its short comings should be gone into. It [reservation] should continue till such time as is necessary to address inequality in society.” RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s remarks on quota had become an election issue in Bihar, where polls conclude on November 5.
Mr. Joshi also expressed concern at the RSS being linked to incidents of violence.
Part of conspiracy “Some forces are trying to put the Sangh in the dock by linking it with different incidents. We believe this is part of a conspiracy. We have always condemned such incidents.” To a query on why the RSS was accused of being intolerant, Mr. Joshi said the Sangh had always been constructive in its thoughts and respected everyone’s sentiment.