File photo of Rahul Gandhi
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) today slammed Congress chief Rahul Gandhi for comparing RSS next to banned Islamic outfit Muslim Brotherhood durng his recent speech International Institute of Strategic Studies in London.
During his speech last week, Gandhi had said the RSS' idea is similar to that of Muslim Brotherhood in the Arab world. He had also alleged that the RSS was trying to "change" the nature of India and "capture" its institutions.
Responding to the Congress chief's charges, the RSS prachar pramukh (publicity in-charge) Arun Kumar said Gandhi is unaware about the "concept of Muslim brotherhood" and alleged that Congress chief cannot understand the saffron outfit as he does not know India.
"The entire world today is facing the threat of Islamic fundamentalism. He is unaware... he does not understand the gravity of the situation that's why he is making such statements," Kumar said while responding to a question on Gandhi's remarks about the RSS.
Referring to the Congress president's old statement that he is trying to understand India, the Sangh leader said, "One who doesn't understand India cannot understand the Sangh."
He is ignorant about India and its cultural ethos of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', which means the world is one family, Kumar claimed.
Meanwhile, sources have revealed that RSS is planning to invite Rahul Gandhi for an event next month in Delhi, despite his recent criticism of the organisation. Sources say that RSS is planning to invite Gandhi along with several other opposition leaders, like Sitaram Yechury to a three-day lecture series titled "Future of Bharat: An RSS’ perspective” from September 17 to 19. The key speaker at the event will be Sarsanghchalak, Dr Mohan Bhagwat.
In June, the Congress was upset when former president Pranab Mukherjee, a veteran leader of the party, attended an RSS event and addressed it.
(With inputs from PTI)
