Gujarat hardens stand on RSS issue, CM snubs Cong
BASHIR PATHAN

GANDHINAGAR, MARCH 1: While the BJP Government at the Centre finds itself in a corner over the Opposition attack on the RSS issue, its state government in Gujarat is in no mood to relent. Minister of State for Home Haren Pandya said today that ``come what may,'' the government wouldn't take back the decision allowing its staff to participate in RSS activities.

Asked about the embarrassment caused to his party's central leadership, Pandya told The Indian Express: ``Let the party bosses in Delhi handle the contentious issue in their own way.''

Meanwhile, Gujarat Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel claimed that the Congress was merely extracting political capital since ``not a single prominent Gandhian leader or institution, from any part of Gujarat,'' has protested openly against his government's decision.

In fact, not only the Chief Minister but some of his senior Cabinet colleagues have gone on record in the State Assembly, during the current budget session, asserting that they are proud of being RSS activists. ``It is the RSS which has shaped my political destiny and life,'' said the Chief Minister on Monday.

Pandya argued that since ``the RSS is a cultural organisation,'' participation of government employees in its activities does not amount to misconduct or indiscipline under the Gujarat Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1971. He said that the decision to lift the RSS ban was not forced on Gujarat by the central leadership. ``It is our own decision followed by the Unlawful Activities Prevention Tribunal's verdict that the RSS is not doing any unlawful activity.''

Moderates in the state BJP, however, said that the state government was under pressure from Delhi to review the decision but hardliners have mounted counter-pressure on the Chief Minister not to budge.

Pandya refused to elaborate saying that ``the matter is subjudice, for a public interest litigation challenging the government circular is pending in the Gujarat High Court.''

Copyright © 2000 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.