RSS to discuss Prophet row, Gyanvapi at meet

TOP LEADERS OF THE SANGH ARE SET TO MEET IN JAIPUR NEXT MONTH

NEW DELHI: Top leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) are scheduled to meet in Jaipur next month to discuss a range of issues, including the ongoing Gyanvapi mosque complex case and the violent protests over controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammed by nowsuspended Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Nupur Sharma, a functionary aware of the matter said on Tuesday.

During a television debate on

May 28, Sharma made controversial remarks about the Prophet and party leader Naveen Kumar Jindal tweeted some objectionable comments on June 1. Amid outrage over the remarks, BJP suspended Sharma and expelled Jindal on June 5.

Another raging issue likely to come up during the meeting is the Gyanvapi mosque case.

Earlier this month, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had called for an amicable resolution to the Gyanvapi dispute, suggesting that the Hindu and Muslim sides should sit across the table to settle the matter amicably. “Why look for a Shivling in every mosque?” he had asked.

While the meeting, known as the Prant Pracharak meeting of the Sangh is an annual affair where leaders take stock of the activities and plan for the year ahead, issues of current relevance are also discussed.

The Sangh’s plans for its centenary celebrations, and expanding its reach across the country are also likely to come up for discussion, a party functionary said.

“The Sangh has been making a concerted effort to reach out to minorities, including Muslims, to reinforce the shared cultural and civilisational ties between the communities. Bhagwat ji has reiterated several times that we have a common DNA and that Indian Muslims should not identify themselves with the invaders,” said the functionary.