Cong targets RSS: terror links exposed

Some sections of the party even demanded that the organisation RSS be banned.

The Congress today targeted the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh RSS for its links with terrorist activities,with some sections of the party even demanding that the organisation be banned. Congress president Sonia Gandhi warned that any attempt to abuse religion to inflame passion would be forcefully resisted,and reiterated her partys commitment to fight communalism and fanaticism of all types.

Addressing the newly-elected AICC members at the day-long session here today,Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee,in an apparent reference to the naming of senior RSS leaders in the Ajmer blasts chargesheet,said: The RSS is to be exposed. Their links with terrorist activities,highlighted through recent revelations,ought to be brought in.

Rajya Sabha MP Rashid Alvi said the RSS should be banned as it is an organisation that wants to demolish Gandhis ideals.

In its statement,the AICC reiterated the partys commitment to upholding the secular values that have been the defining characteristic of Indias composite culture.

Recent revelations through detailed investigation have exposed the true character of the RSS and its sister organisations. The investigations indicate the involvement of its members in terrorist activities. Communal and terrorist elements,whichever source they may originate from,that aim at destroying our national fabric will be fought at any cost, said the statement.

In her inaugural address,Sonia,referring to the recent verdict of the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court on the Ayodhya title suits,said that it in no way condones the demolition of the Babri Masjid.

This was a shameful and criminal act for which the perpetrators must be brought to justice. We all remember how tense the country was in the days prior to the judgment. It is a tribute to the people of our country that they ensured that peace and harmony prevailed. The broader message for all of us is that our fight against communalism of all kinds,against fanaticism of all types,has to continue unabated. This is a political struggle,a struggle for a secular India. The abuse of religion to inflame passion,stoke prejudice and polarise our society will be forcefully resisted by our party and government, she said.

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Meanwhile,without mentioning the name of any organisation,Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,in his address,said that the Congress wants to build a strong,secular,liberal and modern India. Our politics is to unite the society and not to divide it, he said.

Soniaspeak

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There has to be a meaningful political dialogue with all parties.