RSS had supported several of Emergency measures: Ex-IB chief

New Delhi, Sep 21: Former Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief TV Rajeswar has claimed that the RSS had supported several measures taken during the Emergency and the then chief of the organisation Balasaheb Deoras had tried to contact then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

"Not only they (RSS) were supportive of this, they wanted to establish contact apart from Mrs Gandhi, with Sanjay Gandhi also," Rajeswar said in an interview with Karan Thapar for programme 'To the Point', according to a statement issued by the interviewer.

Rajeswar, who served as Governor of Uttar Pradesh and Sikkim after his retirement from service, was responding when asked about certain passages in his book which talk about RSS supporting the Emergency.

He said it was "correct" and then emphasised that he was "absolutely sure of it", the statement said.

He replied in affirmative when told that though Deoras was keen to meet Gandhi, she did not do so as she did not want to be seen close the organisation.

When asked about his claim that Deoras had also wanted to meet Sanjay Gandhi, Rajeswar said "apparently he wanted to express support to the measures taken", the statement said.

He was also asked about claims in his book that RSS had also extended support to the Indira Gandhi-led Congress in the elections. He said attempts to contact Indira Gandhi and her son Sanjay were "obviously meant for this".

In the interview, Rajeswar also suggested that the idea of Emergency was suggested by Sidharth Shankar Ray.

Rajeswar said Gandhi was aware of what was happening during the Emergency but how serious the impact was on the people and the consequences, she may not have realised.

Rajeswar also said that Sanjay Gandhi wielded enormous powers during the Emergency. Speaking further about Sanjay's role, he said "apparently" Mrs Gandhi did not realise the serious constitutional implications.

PTI