RSS first: Gandhi finds place in annual march

The annual Path Sanchalan is usually held on Vijayadashmi (Dussehra) but the RSS advanced it this year. Sarkaryavaha Mohan Bhagwat, tipped to succeed present Sarsanghchalak Sudarshan, will preside over another function in Bhopal on Vijayadashmi.

The Sangh said it would not have been possible to organise Path Sanchalan on Dussehra because it’s going to be a long day: boudhik (intellectuals) session and display of physical skills are already planned.

‘‘What’s wrong in celebrating Gandhi Jayanti? Gandhi’s ideology matches ours on issues like swadeshi, swavlamban and abolition of untouchability,’’ said Bhopal sanghchalak Kantilal Chatar, admitting ‘‘it had never happened in the past.’’

But the Congress is not amused. State unit president Subhash Yadav called it ‘‘unfortunate’’ and saw in the RSS march ‘‘a conspiracy to create communal tension.’’ Yadav had even asked the district administration to ban the procession.

Gandhi Bhawan secretary Ramchandraji Bhargava said, ‘‘Gandhiji believed in non-violence, they don’t. They follow a different ideology. Path Sanchalan and Shastrapuja go together… They are in power (in Madhya Pradesh) and get all facilities.’’

A Sangh functionary rubbished the criticism: ‘‘Instead of criticising us, the Congress should actually welcome it because its family is growing… If they celebrate Dr Hedgewar’s anniversary, we will also welcome it.’’

The Path Sanchalan lasted 90 minutes. Incidentally, BJP president L K Advani, who was in Bhopal on Saturday for the BJP Anusuchit Jati Morcha’s national convention, too recalled Mahatma Gandhi as even praising the RSS.

‘‘Gandhi, during his visit to Wardha, marvelled at how anybody could attend a shakha irrespective of caste or creed,’’ Advani said.