CPI-M seeks Modi's views on Mother Teresa issue

Thiruvananthapuram: The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Wednesday sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's views on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat's comments on Mother Teresa.

Addressing reporters here, the new state secretary of the CPI-M Kodiyeri Balakrishnan lashed out at Bhagwat for his statement on Mother Teresa - known for her passion to serve humanity.

"Bhagwat is taking forward the agenda of the RSS. Mother Teresa, over the years, has become a role model, especially in her charity work. We all wish to know what Modi has to say on this issue," said Balakrishnan.

The RSS chief had claimed that religious conversions had taken place under Mother Teresa's leadership.

Bhagwat, while addressing a function of a local NGO near Bharatpur in Rajasthan, said Mother Teresa's service to the poor was aimed at converting them to Christianity.

She was honoured with a Nobel Prize, while India decorated her with its highest civilian honour - the Bharat Ratna.

"Former West Bengal chief minister Jyoti Basu had always spoken high of Mother Teresa. Secular minded people should come out in protest against Bhagwat's statement," said Balakrishnan.