Synopsis
Congress leader Hussain Dalwai ignites a fiery debate by comparing the RSS to ISIS, labeling it a 'terrorist organisation.' His remarks follow a senior RSS leader's controversial statement about arming Hindu households. Dalwai challenges the RSS to clarify its stance on terrorism and urges vigilance against incitement to violence. What does this mean for Indian politics?Key Takeaways
- Dalwai's comparison of RSS to ISIS raises eyebrows in political circles.
- Calls for clarification from RSS leadership are significant.
- Incendiary remarks can exacerbate communal tensions.
- Engagement between the government and Opposition is crucial for national unity.
- Public vigilance against violence-inciting rhetoric is necessary.
Mumbai, April 30 (NationPress) In a statement that is sure to spark debate, Congress leader Hussain Dalwai from Maharashtra has drawn a provocative parallel between the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and ISIS, labeling it a 'terrorist organisation.'
This assertion comes after remarks from senior RSS figure Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, who stated: 'Every Hindu household should keep a sword. If Hindus had shown a sword during the Pahalgam attack, that would have been enough.'
In an interview with IANS, Dalwai denounced Bhat’s comments, asserting, 'This is a completely wrong statement. It implies that they do not believe in the Constitution of India at all. They want to incite conflict and spread anger across every village. I believe that just as ISIS spreads terror in Pakistan, similar actions are now being carried out by the RSS here.'
Dalwai further challenged RSS leaders to clarify their stance on whether they consider the organisation a terrorist group. He remarked, 'If it is, then their statements make sense. But if not, then the head of the RSS should publicly clarify their position and expel those who make such inflammatory remarks. In my view, the RSS operates like a terrorist organisation.'
He added, 'The remarks made by a leader from Kerala have no weight, and it reflects the RSS’s overall ideology. Similar ideologies have taken root in both Pakistan and here. The public must recognise what these individuals are doing. Does keeping a sword or knife in one’s home promote peace, or does it stir violence? If these actions are aimed at inciting terrorism, then the public must be vigilant and respond accordingly.'
On Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assertion that the armed forces have his full confidence and operational freedom in response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in 26 fatalities, Dalwai remarked, 'I have always maintained that the Prime Minister should have engaged the Opposition earlier. He made grand statements in Bihar, and if he is serious now, we will welcome that. People in Pakistan even say that he should govern there, in Lahore - it would be better than what they currently have. Pakistan lacks democracy; it is ruled by the military, and they act without accountability. If the Prime Minister is learning lessons from that, then we support him.'
He concluded with, 'Rahul Gandhi and (Congress President) Mallikarjun Kharge have suggested that a special session of Parliament be convened to discuss these issues collectively. If the government is willing to take this step, the Opposition will fully support them.'
