New Delhi: Human Resources Development Minister Smriti Zubin Irani has rubbished allegations by the Opposition that she was working on the RSS agenda for changing curriculum and rewriting history.
Replying to questions from Rajat Sharma in India TV's show Aap Ki Adalat, to be telecast on Saturday (Nov 8) night, Irani said: "I say with pride that I am the grand daughter of a (RSS) swayamsevak, I have gone to (RSS) shakha and if you feel that RSS indulges in anti-national work, I deny it completely.
"The RSS workers have shed their blood and sweat for the nation, they never fought for power, they worked to rid the country of corruption and ensure justice to the people.
"If meeting (RSS) patriots (deshbhakhts) is a crime, then let me say, I am even ready to be hanged."
Irani was reacting to Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's remark that RSS leaders from Nagpur were making a beeline to Shastri Bhawan that houses the HRD ministry.
Asked whether she favoured the RSS agenda for changing the curriculum and rewriting history, Irani said: "I have already told Parliament that as far as curriculum is concerned, it will be debated by academicians and experts, together with state governments on the platform of CABE (Central Advisory Board of Education).
