Anna has old ties with us, says RSS

Anna has old ties with us, says RSS



NAGPUR: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh joint general secretary Dattatray Hosbale on Tuesday said that the organization had old ties with anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare and would continue to support his movement. The remark comes in the wake of Anna's recent statements disowning any links with the RSS and having known its functionaries.

Hosbale, seen by many as the man being groomed as the next RSS chief, was categorical when he said, "We have no issues with Anna distancing from the RSS and it is for the people to interpret it. But it is a fact that when HV Sheshadri was general secretary of the RSS (in the mid 80s), Anna had addressed a summer camp of RSS third year trainees on rural development. Later, the RSS also held a special camp at Ralegan Siddhi, Anna's hometown," he said.

He was addressing reporters on the sidelines of the RSS annual camp for trainees which got underway at the Reshimbagh grounds here. A 1013 activists from all over the country are participating in it. Known for being very choosy in interacting with media, Hosbale was more than willing to speak on topics like Anna Hazare, controversial Sanjay Joshi's resignation from the BJP post and the changing of rules to grant a second consecutive term to the BJP president which should enable Nitin Gadkari continue at the helm.

Asked about the reported displeasure among some senior BJP leaders over the decision to amend rules, Hosbale said, "Differences and varied voices are a sign of democracy. If there is no such dissent in a party it would be akin to dictatorship." The remark made it clear that the RSS was firmly behind Gadkari. "How the leaders deal with this decision is a test for them," he added.

On Joshi's resignation from the BJP national executive as a condition imposed by Narendra Modi to attend the conclave which concluded in Mumbai last week, Hosbale said it was an internal matter for the BJP and Gadkari was free to take a call on it. "If Joshi wants to return to RSS work, we could welcome him," said Hosbale.