RSS’ stand on Zakir Naik no different from others: Vaidya

KANPUR: When all people are opposing controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, RSS’ stand on the issue cannot be any different, the outfit’s Prachar Pramukh Manmohan Vaidya said today.

To a question on Naik during a press conference here, he said, “How can RSS have a different stand on the issue now that Muslim leaders and the common people are opposing him?”

Naik has come under scanner after reports that one of the Dhaka attackers was allegedly inspired by his speeches.

Vaidya was here to attend the annual meeting of RSS’ regional pracharaks which began today, in Bithur, 20 km from here, and will continue till July 15.

On senior leader Suresh Soni attending the meet, he said, “Soni was on furlough. Now that he is back, the Sangh’s activity will definitely increase and he will carry out the activities of this body.”

On whether Soni has become active in the outfit with an eye on the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections slated next year, Vaidya said, RSS never sees its internal activities through the lens of state polls.
PTI