SHILLONG: Apparently alarmed at the challenge posed by the BJP in particular and the Sangh Parivar in general to the ruling Congress in the state, Chief Minister, Mukul Sangma on Monday asked the citizens of Meghalaya to come together and insulate the society, community and vulnerable groups from forces like Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Making a call for sensitizing people of Meghalaya against the agendas of RSS, Sangma alleged that RSS was the main work force for the BJP at the grassroots.
State BJP president, Shibun Lyngdoh, however, denied the allegation of the BJP and RSS working hand in glove. “Such allegations are not new. RSS being a social organization, has its own way of strengthening the country whereas the BJP is a political party. The RSS has its own filed of activities and the BJP has its own way of functioning.” Lyngdoh said.
Responding to a query about the activities of the RSS in the poll-bound Meghalaya, Mukul Sangma said, “The Central Government was not pursuing the agenda of a political party but the agenda of the RSS. Therefore, it is the responsibility of citizens and society to understand their hidden agendas which is not acceptable to all,” he said.
Sangma also lambasted the BJP saying Prime Minister, Narendra Modi was bound by the diktat of the RSS and one such example of RSS interference was the linking of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act to sell of cattle and location of cattle markets in the country.
Terming RSS as a non-Government actor, Sangma said that they (RSS) were not mandated to drag their agendas but now they were pulling the strings of governance from behind which is unconstitutional.
Sangma also castigated the RSS saying they are putting their agendas in framing the rules and external forces are taking control of various authorities in different ministries.
The secretary of the RSS, Shillong Zone, Mangkashanf Khongshei said, “At the first place, the RSS doesn’t have a base in Meghalaya and it is a social organization. We are not involved in any politics though some of RS members outside have joined politics.”
Claiming that Christians are more safe in Indian than in any other country, Khongshei said the RSS was against anti-nationals only.