New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai has triggered controversy with sharp remarks against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), accusing it of controlling the government from behind the scenes and mocking its advocacy of a three-child policy.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, during the ‘100 Varsh Ki Sangh Yatra’ program on Thursday, had suggested that Indian families should ideally have three children, arguing this would help maintain national stability and prevent the extinction of communities.
Reacting to this, speaking to IANS, Rai criticized the organization for what he described as preaching practices it does not follow itself. Taking a swipe at the Sangh, he said its members should first practice what they advocate. His comments, which included a derogatory jibe, are expected to draw strong reactions from both the RSS and the BJP.
Taking a dig at the Sangh’s call for ‘three children per family’, he said the organization speaks of expanding families despite having no women members. He went on to describe the RSS as a group of widowers and suggested that its members should first be instructed to marry and have children themselves.
He also accused the RSS of dictating government decisions from behind the scenes. Referring to the sidelining of senior BJP leaders like Lal Krishna Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, Rai alleged that Bhagwat had failed to uphold his stated positions on retirement age within the organization.
“This only shows that the RSS chief has failed to live up to his promises,” he said.
Rai further targeted the government over the National Herald case, alleging misuse of central agencies such as the CBI and ED to tarnish the Congress with false charges.