Bhagwat’s Bihar visit draws criticism from Oppn parties
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat arrived in Patna on Tuesday on a three-day visit to the state, his fourth in the last eight months, drawing criticism from Bihar’s opposition parties , who see a ‘political design’ in his frequent trips.
The RSS chief is scheduled to address ‘Sangh Shiksha Varg’— a training program of RSS volunteers — which started on May 19 at Nawada and will continue till June 9.
The main opposition parties, RJD and Congress have alleged that chief minister Nitish Kumar was allowing “communalisation of the state’s society and politics.”
“It is shocking how Nitish Kumar allows Bihar to continually slip deeper into the grip of communalism. Despite all his secular credentials, he is keeping quiet even as the state is under seize of communal politics. Few days after his last visit to Muzaffarpur, communal flare-ups took place at Bhagalpur, Aurangabad, Gaya and Samastipur,” said RJD national vice-president Shivanand Tiwary.
Bhagwat’s visit to Nawada, the Lok Sabha constituency of firebrand BJP leader and Union minister of state, Giriraj Singh, had resulted in Opposition raising concern over the law and order situation.
“Considering the communal tension and clashes that occurred in the state two months back, the CM should be vigilant about
PATNA: Considering the communal tension and clashes that occurred in the state two months back, the CM (Nitish Kumar) should be vigilant about Mohan Bhagwat’s frequent visits to Bihar. We demand a ban on his entry into the state.
PREMCHANDRA MISHRA, Congress MLC
Mohan Bhagwat’s frequent visits to Bihar. We demand a ban on his entry into the state,” said Congress MLC Premchandra Mishra.
But the ruling JD(U) leaders rubbished the call for a ban on Bhagwat’s entry.
“We do not have to take lessons on secularism from Congress and RJD. Chief minister Nitish Kumar knows his duties and is committed towards peace in society, said JD(U) MLC and spokesperson Neeraj Kumar.
Much importance is being attached to Bhagwat’s frequent visit to state ahead of Lok Sabha polls in 2019 and state assembly polls in 2020 particularly in the wake of below par performance of the BJP in 2015.
“Winning or losing polls is not our priority nor has Bhagwat’s visit to do anything with Lok Sabha polls. Our target is not 2019 but a much larger goal of national unity,” said an RSS leader.
An RSS source said the Sangh, which would celebrate its centenary year in 2025, aims to reach all the panchayat level in the country and spread its ideology.