RSS clarifies: Kalam is OK, but Jesuits still violent

RSS today asserted it had not questioned President APJ Abdul Kalam’s decision to open the VI World Congress of the Jesuit alumni in Kol...

RSS today asserted it had not questioned President APJ Abdul Kalam’s decision to open the VI World Congress of the Jesuit alumni in Kolkata even as it demanded that the Christian denomination should not be allowed to gain legitimacy in the country.

‘‘RSS Chief KS Sudarshan, in his address at Nagpur, had only said the Jesuits are known for their violent, aggressive and exclusivist religious beliefs,’’ RSS joint spokesman Ram Madhav said here, reacting to reports that he had termed as ‘‘unfortunate’’ the proposed inauguration.

‘‘We have full faith in the wisdom and statesmanship of the President. As the head of a nation that stands for equal respect to all religions and one of the most catholic ways of life in the world and also as an individual known for his roots in Indianness and its values, the honourable President’s presence in any religious or other forum enhances the prestige of the values that this country stands for,’’Madhav said.

The RSS spokesman, however, reiterated that jesuits were ‘‘indeed a violent christian denomination’’. ‘‘India is a land of catholicity and respect for religious diversity. It is our considered opinion that fanatical religious groups like Jesuits should not be allowed to gain legitimacy in this land till they clarify their position on pluralism and respect for other religions,’’ he said.

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