PM visits RSS HQ, old teachers

NAGPUR, AUG 27: Despite the trouble with his knees, Atal Behari Vajpayee visited the RSS headquarters at Reshimbagh, the place where he was trained as RSS officer 56 years ago. He also called on RSS official Narain Rao, who is credited with having initiated Vajpayee into the RSS and Bapu Rao Tharate who trained him in the RSS culture.

Asked about growing differences between the BJP and the RSS over certain policies of the NDA Government, Vajpayee said: “There should be no confusion over policies of rashtra nirman (nation building). There are no fundamental differences between RSS and BJP but views and opinion of individuals may differ.”

Prodded further Vajpayee replied: “I am Prime Minister today but may not remain tomorrow. But I was a Swayamsevak yesterday and will remain one till my death.”

He also paid obeisance to Dr Hedgewar at his memorial at Reshimbagh but did not bother to visit Hedgewar Bhawan, the place housing senior Sangh leaders. Significantly, none of the senior RSS leaders — with sole exception of its spokesman M.G. Vaidya — was present there today.