Its confirmed, Pranab Mukherjee will attend RSS event on June 7

Putting speculations to rest, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has confirmed that former president Pranab Mukherjee will attend its event 'Varsh Tritiya Varg' or the Third Year Course on June 7.

Eye brows were raised when it was first reported that Mukherjee would attend the event because Congress president Rahul Gandhi is a staunch critic of the RSS and leaves no stone unturned to target the nationalist organisation at almost every rally or function.

"This isn't surprising for those who know and understand the Sangh, because RSS has always invited prominent people of the society in its programmes. This time, we invited Dr Pranab Mukherjee and it's his greatness that he has accepted our invitation," news agency ANI quoted an RSS statement as saying.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that there should not be any political untouchability in the country.

"If former President Pranab Mukherjee joins, it is good. What is the problem if the former President visits RSS event. RSS is an organisation of the nation," he said.

Congress, meanwhile, is bemused over Mukerjee's decision to be a chief guest at the RSS event and refrained from commenting on it.

Congress' Manish Tewari said the best person to comment on the matter is "the former President himself".

"The invitation was extended to him. He has accepted the invitation. Ostensibly he is going. So therefore, if there are any queries with regard to that, he is the best person to answer that," said Tewari.

RSS ideologue Rakesh Sinha earlier said that questions raised on RSS-Hindutva have been answered by Mukherjee accepting the invitation.