RSS was founded to preserve caste system, says Congress leader

Indore, May 25: Ahead of Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi's scheduled visit to Dalit icon BR Ambedkar's birthplace near here, his party on Monday targeted the RSS and alleged that it was set up to preserve the caste system.

"Sangh's thinking is 100 per cent opposite to Ambedkar's views. Ambedkar struggled throughout his life against the discriminatory caste system, whereas RSS was set up to preserve the caste system," Congress Scheduled Caste Cell president K Raju claimed.

"Ambedkar fought a long battle for reservations for the oppressed class in government jobs as well as educational institutes and history is witness to the fact that BJP incited people against the reservation system," he alleged. [Rajnath meets RSS chief]

Raju said the RSS was now staking a claim on Ambedkar's legacy for political interests. Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh, who was also present with Raju, said the RSS indulges in doublespeak on Ambedkar's views.

"RSS opposed Ambedkar's Constitution and his book 'Riddle of Hinduism'. This is a fact. The Sangh and BJP are opposed to the interests of Dalits and tribals," Digvijay said.

Earlier, Digvijay, Raju and party's Madhya Pradesh affairs in-charge Mohan Prakash as well as state party chief Arun Yadav went to the birth place of Ambedkar at Mhow, which Rahul Gandhi is expected to visit on June 2, to review preparations.

PTI