Cong MLA,mayor in trouble for praising Bhagwat

Congress felt both the leaders had gone against the party line by attending the meeting and publicly welcoming the RSS route march. Notices have been served on them as per the party rules, Congress state president Dhanendra Sahu said.

Some party leaders had demanded disciplinary action against Das and Nayak,arguing their conduct had tarnished the image of Congress,which had always opposed the divisive and communal agenda of RSS.

Both Das and Nayak said they have received the notices but refused to make any comments,saying they will make their positions clear only on the party forum.

Das,who heads Doodhadhari Math,a monastery,and the 17th century temple dedicated to Ram on the outskirts of Raipur,has a close association with many Hindu organisations. In fact,the meeting,which has landed Das in trouble,was held at Doodhadhari Satsangh Bhawan.

Meanwhile,a local Hindu outfit,Saffron Brigade,has come out in support of Nayak saying she welcomed the Path Sanchalan as it was her responsibility as first citizen of the city to welcome its guests. RSS is not a religious or communal outfit but a nationalist organisation. By serving such a notice, Congress has not only insulted the Mayor but also tried to hurt the sentiments of majority Hindus, the Brigade said in a statement.