No differences with PM — Sudarshan

NEW DELHI, MARCH 24: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief K S Sudarshan today said RSS had a right to criticise the policies of the governmen...

NEW DELHI, MARCH 24: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief K S Sudarshan today said RSS had a right to criticise the policies of the government but made light of media reports that his hardliner stand may pose difficulties for the Prime Minister.

Speaking at a civic reception here, he said, "We, like every individual, have a right to criticise the government and to tell it what is right for the country. It should not be construed as a friction between me and Vajpayee."

BJP was not able to implement its agenda as it was tied down by compulsions inherent in a coalition government but denied that there was any difference between him and Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

"Vajpayee is heading a coalition government where each of the constituents is pulling it in a different direction posing a serious constraint before the BJP to implement its agenda."

"When we criticise and suggest certain modifications in policies, it is not mandatory for the government to go by our suggestions," he added.

On government’s economic policies, he cautioned it against falling prey to the dictates of international organisations like WTO, IMF and World Bank which propagate economic colonialism’.

He suggested that India should indigenously develop an economy which would be strong and resilient.

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Sudarshan said the RSS had been a victim of disinformation campaign since its inception in 1925 and gave the example of how it is still being maligned in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi even after being cleared by two commissions and the then Home Minister Sardar Patel.

He said RSS never believed in any caste, creed or religion but would stand firm on its belief that those who live in India should think in terms of being Indians first and then by their religion.

"We talk about Hindu rashtra’ with pride as this was the foundation on which the organisation was established," he said and added "Indian Muslims should Indianise Islam and understand that they are Indians first."

He gave the example of changes made in Islam to suit the national thinking in countries like Iran, Turkey, Indonesia and Afghanistan.

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Referring to Pakistan, Sudarshan said it was the country whose existence depends on the anti-India stance and added India has to emerge stronger to frustrate the evil designs of that country.

The RSS chief said the world listens only to the voice of strong and gave the example of the ongoing state visit of US President Bill Clinton, who once severely criticised India for its nuclear tests.

"Clinton was very angry over the nuclear tests. But the strength that India derived from these tests compelled him to visit India and talk on equal terms," he said adding that the "biggest crime is to be weak."