RSS' entry into politics has made things topsy-turvy: Nanaji

New Delhi, Jul 19 (UNI) Veteran RSS and BJP leader Nanaji Deshmukh has strongly resented the growing enchantment of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh with politics, saying it has made things ''topsy-turvy'' for the organisation.

''Ever since politics crept into the RSS, everything had gone awry within the organisation,'' said the 92-year-old Nanaji, who had been a frontline leader of both the RSS and the BJP during the prime of his life.

In an interview to 'Outlook' (Hindi), he refuted the contention of RSS Chief K S Sudarshan that nothing of the sort had happened.

''It makes little difference even if someone disagrees with the reality. The fact is that in every election, RSS activists are drafted into elections,'' he said, in support of his contention.

To a query whether the RSS should distance itself from politics, Mr Deshmukh said, ''It is up to RSS to decide so. I am only an ordinary Swyamsevak. How can I give direction to others?'' Asked about his recent letter in which he expressed concern over the growing interference of the RSS in the BJP, he said it was ''an old letter. I had written this letter long ago...It had nothing to do with recent developments.'' Nanaji also regrtted that most of the leaders were now engaged in collecting wealth for themselves. ''The entire political system has become vitiated. Everyone is facing allegations of corruption and amassaing wealth more than their known sources of income.'' Without mincing words, he said he did not see any ''possibility'' in politics. ''Politics has become such a terrible proposition that honest people will not like to remain in its fold,'' he added.

When pointed out that he could serve as a role model as his works for the betterment of people in a village of Uttarakhand had been praised even by the Left parties, he said, ''My work is not of a role model. Sangh people extend full support in my work. Others have also come forward. Whatever I am doing now I will continue to do till my death.'' To a query about the works being done for the Hindu society, he said the time has now come to think about the Muslims as well.

''Muslims are also the citizens of India. They cannot be viewed as a separate segment of the society...To talk about only the Hindu society is not enough. And all this is possible; it will only require an element of honesty.'' Mr Deshmukh also criticised Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his globalisation policy, saying it had resulted in exploitation of the poor.

On a wider scale, he said globalisation spells doom for the poor and the weak. ''America attacked Iraq because it was a weak country, and the motive was to exploit its rich oil resources. In our own country, only 32 people are billionaire and trillionaire. Everyone is exploiting the pooer, the weaker. Globalisation is s asynonym for exploitation.'' He, however, a sserted that India's future was bright because it alone had ''philosophy.'' UNI SKS SK BD1947