Government-funded Haryana gyms will run RSS shakhas, Congress cries foul
What's the story
Manohar Lal Khattar-led BJP government has again made headlines, this time over Agriculture minister Om Prakash Dhankar's statement. He said that state gyms would also be used as RSS shakhas. Calling the move an attempt to propagate RSS ideology, Congress alleged the government gyms were being made private property for criminal conspiracy. "Using government funds to promote RSS agenda is a criminal conspiracy," said Congress MLA Karan Singh.
Details
Support pours in from across the state cabinet
Dhankar's comment doesn't come in isolation. Karan Dev Kamboj, Haryana's Food and Supplies Minister, supported him saying, "Shakhas don't indulge in any activity which prohibits gyms from being used as RSS units." Further, state Sports minister Anil Vij favoured Kamboj. "RSS shakhas are used for exercising and playing games. If gyms are used for this purpose, what is the harm?" he asked.
Caste and religion
RSS is trying to divide society: Congress
"RSS is trying to divide society on religion and caste basis. Hence, RSS activities should be banned in open spaces in Haryana," claimed Former Haryana Assembly speaker, MLA Kuldeep Sharma. Another Congress MLA Karan Singh Dalal condemned the usage of government funds for RSS agenda, calling it a conspiracy to divide. He asked, "How can the Government use vyayamshalas (gyms) as RSS shakhas?"
Quote
"Gyms are government property and RSS is a private organization"
"How can a private organization use state property to promote its agenda? If the state government believes that it can use government property to promote RSS agenda, it is highly condemnable," said Indian National Lok Dal leader Praveen Attrey.