RSS distances itself from Jaswant controversy

Jammu Aug.21 (ANI): Distancing itself from the Jaswant Singh controversy, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday said that Jaswant's expulsion is totally an internal matter of the haratiya Janata Party and the RSS has got nothing to do with it.

Bhagwat was addressing a press conference in Jammu this afternoon.

When asked about the role of the RSS in Jaswant Singh's exit from the BJP, Bhagwat said: "Jaswantji's expulsion is BJP's internal matter, Sangh has got nothing to do with it. So, there is no need for the Sangh to comment on this issue. This is party's (BJP) matter and party will see to it."

When asked about the influence of Rss in the BJP, Bhagwat said: "Agreed that several Swayam Sewaks (workers) are there but BJP is a political organization and we don't interfere in their day to day matters. They themselves are answerable for their issues and not we. They have to decide what's good and what's bad for them."

Commenting on the demand of abolishing Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) in Kashmir, Bhagwat said:" The army is in J and K because of some reasons, and after these problems are solved, only then there can some sort of talks about removing AFSPA. I think a minister from the state, Mr. sagar, has also reiterated that unless problems persists, the army cannot be moved out. And, I think this is right, and under the present circumstances, when there is a hostile situation on the border and internal security is at stake, the army cannot be moved out."

Terming the inclusion of Balochistan in Indo-Pak joint staement at Sharm-el-Sheikh as a diplomatic and strategic failure, the RSS chief said: "Several parties have formed the Government in India and we have been talking with Pakistan since 1948, but never has an issue been raised that we are aiding trouble there. The inclusion of Balochistan in the joint statement, strategically, is certainly a step backward, and this has happened for the first time. There should have been no mention of Balochistan and this is a failure." By Tahir Nadeem Khan (ANI)