Amit Shah responds to Mallikarjun Kharge's 'ban RSS' remark
What's the story
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has responded to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's call for a ban on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Speaking at NDTV's Bihar Power Play conclave in Patna, Shah said that the RSS has inspired millions and instilled values of patriotism and discipline. He pointed out that two Prime Ministers, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi, were associated with the organization.
Development contribution
Kharge's intention to ban RSS will never be fulfilled: Shah
Shah also defended the RSS's role in the country's development, saying it has shown society the right direction and gathered people for national causes. He said Kharge's intention to ban the organization "will never be fulfilled." This comes after Kharge had blamed both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and RSS for all law and order issues in India.
Ban feasibility
Congress MP Karti Chidambaram on 'banning' RSS
Meanwhile, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram also questioned the practicality of banning the RSS. He said such a request is unlikely to be accepted in today's legal environment. Chidambaram admitted that while he doesn't agree with the political ideology of RSS-BJP, he isn't sure if a ban is feasible or sustainable.
Anniversary tribute
PM Modi's earlier remarks on RSS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier praised the RSS as a "banyan tree of immortal culture and modernisation" during its centenary celebrations. He called it the world's largest self-governing organization and acknowledged its contribution to creating millions of patriots. Shah reiterated this sentiment, calling the RSS a great "patriotic organization" that gathers people's strength.