New Delhi, November 13: Under attack from the Congress, the RSS and the BJP today expressed regret over the derogatory remarks against Sonia Gandhi by its former chief K S Sudarshan and described them as “unfortunate”.
The RSS, which had yesterday distanced itself from the controversial comments of Sudarshan, today went a step further by issuing a statement expressing regret.
“As the Joint General Secretary of RSS, I express my heartfelt deep regrets over the alleged comments (of Sudarshan), which had hurt sentiments, and the subsequent developments that are unfortunate,” Sangh leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi said.
The BJP associated with the RSS stand. “RSS has clarified its stand. BJP’s views are the same as that expressed by RSS on this issue,” party spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said.
Asked if RSS has become a major embarrassment, Javadekar replied in the negative. “We are not saying RSS is becoming a major embarrassment.”
The clarification by the saffron parties came after Congress stepped up its campaign against Sudarshan’s remarks holding demonstrations across the country and burning the RSS leader’s effigy.
Congress spokesperson Shakeel Ahmed said earlier that the RSS should apologise and condemn the statements of Sudarshan. He said the former RSS Chief had used “uncivilised and undignified language” against the Congress President at a function organised by the RSS.
Expressing surprise at the silence of the BJP on the issue, Ahmed justified the protest of Congress workers saying they are naturally agitated.
Surdarshan’s comments have resulted in murmurs in BJP with party leaders saying that his statement has come at the worst possible time for the party which was cornering the government on the issue of corruption in parliament this week.
–PTI