Radicals in RSS told to leave: Bhagwat

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has admitted that some members who held radical views were told to leave the organisation. File photo

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday admitted some of its members who held radical views were told to leave the organisation.

Asserting that there was no place for the radicals, Dr. Bhagwat lashed out at the Congress for giving a terror tag to his outfit, alleging that it was part of a conspiracy against the Sangh.

Trashing allegations linking the RSS to terror attacks following right-wing activist Swami Aseemanand's reported confession, Dr. Bhagwat said those accused in various blasts were not connected with the organisation.

Responding to Dr. Bhagwat's remarks, Congress spokesperson Manish Tiwari said: “Rather than the rats deserting the ship, it seems to be a case of the ship deserting the rats.”

“Of the majority of the people whom the government has accused [in various blast cases], a few have left voluntarily and a few [have been] told by the Sangh: this extremism will not work here, so you go away,” Dr. Bhagwat told a public meeting here. He also hit out at the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance for “maligning the Sangh's image.”

On Hindutva, he said, “Extremism is not Hindutva. Hindutva is all-inclusive and it is our identity.”