'Pranab Mukherjee has shown mirror of truth to RSS', says Congress

The Congress on Thursday said that the former president Pranab Mukherjee had shown the 'mirror of truth' to the RSS by reminding them of India's 'pluralism, tolerance, secularism and inclusiveness' as an article of faith and soul of the country.

Addressing the press conference, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said,"Pranab Mukherjee has shown a mirror of Indian pluralism's truth to the RSS. He has reminded the RSS of the history of India. He taught the RSS that India's beauty lies in its tolerance for different ideas, religions and languages. Is RSS ready to admit its mistakes and ready to adapt India's pluralism, secularism and diversity? Will RSS give up its prejudice towards women and marginalised? Will it give up its inherent character of subjugation and violence?.''

"Shri Mukherjee also reminded the present Modi Government of following 'Rajdharma', founded upon our diversity, non-violence, multiculturalism and assimilation of ideas. He particularly reminded the Prime Minister that 'Happiness of people is the happiness of ruler, their welfare is his welfare'. Indicating the unchecked exercise of authority and attack on institutions in the garb of a self-professed definition of 'Pseudo Nationalism', he reminded the RSS as also the Prime Minister that, 'Indian Nationalism is Constitutional patriotism'," said Surjewala.

He further asked, "Does RSS believe that by merely inviting the former president to an event will give it the much elusive social and political sanctity? Let the RSS and BJP publically commit today to change its character, orientation thought process and path and accept the sagacious advice of their guest Pranab Mukherjee."

Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday warned that any attempt to define India through "religion, dogma or intolerance" will only dilute the country's existence, as he attended an RSS event in Nagpur amid criticism by several of his party leaders including his own daughter.

He said intolerance will only dilute India' national identity and Indian nationalism emanated from universalism, assimilation and co-existence. "In India, we derive our strength from tolerance and respect our pluralism. We celebrate our diversity," Mukherjee said.