RSS likely to invite Rahul Gandhi, Sitaram Yechuri for 'Future of India' event

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) may invite two of its staunch critics – Congress president Rahul Gandhi and CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechuri. As per the information available on RSS’ website, its chief Mohan Bhagwat will interact with intellectual citizens of the country during Sangh’s 'Future of India' programme scheduled to be held in September. According to the reports, the RSS is mulling to send invites to several Opposition leaders, including the Congress President and Yechuri from the Left.

The reports of Sangh’s likely invitation to Gandhi came days after the Congress president likened the RSS to radical Islamic outfit Muslims Brotherhood during his two-day visit to Europe.

Also Read | Nagpur exercise – Pranab-RSS move to dampen Congress’ spirits

Speaking at the International Institute of Strategic Studies, a London-based think-tank, Gandhi had on Friday said that “the idea of RSS is similar to the idea of Muslim Brotherhood in the Arab world.”

Reacting to Gandhi’s remark last week, RSS prachar pramukh (publicity in-charge) Arun Kumar today (Monday) said that the Congress president was unaware of the concept of Muslim Brotherhood and didn’t understand the saffron outfit.

"The entire world today is facing the threat of Islamic fundamentalism. He is unaware... he does not understand the gravity of the situation that's why he is making such statements," PTI quoted Kumar as saying.

Also Read | Intolerance will only dilute our national identity: Highlights of Pranab Mukherjee speech at RSS HQ

Earlier in June, RSS had invited former president and Congress veteran Pranab Mukherjee for an event at its headquarters in Nagpur. The Congress party was upset with Mukherjee for attending the event.

RSS is a Hindutva outfit and the ideological mentor of the BJP. The Congress president had even claimed that “RSS people killed Gandhiji”. He is also facing a defamation case for his allegations against the Hindutva outfit.