'Don't support their ideology but ...' : What Sharad Pawar said about RSS

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Tuesday praised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for its work culture and commitment to its ideology. The veteran leader, however, mentioned that he does not support the RSS ideology.

Issuing clarification that he opposes the Sangh ideology days after he heaped praises on the RSS, the former Union Minister said, "I don't support the RSS ideology in particular. However, the commitment of the RSS cadre to its ideology and the party's work culture is commendable. I admire the hard work of the karyakartas".

"I have worked with some of the RSS leaders during the Jan Sangh times ... I know how they work. I strongly oppose the idea of what RSS is doing currently in the nation," he was addressing a press conference in Mumbai.

Last week, NCP (SP) supremo praised the RSS for dedication to its ideology and urged his party to create a worker base with commitment to progressive thoughts of BR Ambedkar and political stalwart Yeshwantrao Chavan among others.

Addressing party workers at a meeting on January 9, Pawar noted that RSS has committed cadres who show unwavering loyalty to the Hindutva organisation's ideology and do not deviate from their path at any cost.

Speaking about the Delhi elections, scheduled to be held on February 8, Sharad Pawar hinted at his backing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). "In Delhi assembly elections, my feeling is that we should help Arvind Kejriwal," he said.

The Kejriwal-led party and the Congress, both part of INDIA bloc, are contesting the Delhi polls separately. Other opposition alliance members including Samajwadi Party and Trinamool Congress (TMC) have also extended their support to AAP.