New Delhi, Nov 12 (IBNS) The Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) on Friday apologized for its former chief K.S. Sudarshan?s derogatory remarks against Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.
“As the joint general secretary of RSS, I express my heartfelt deep regrets over the alleged statement, which had hurt the sentiments, and the subsequent developments that are unfortunate,” said a statement issued by RSS leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi.
The Congress on Thursday demanded an apology from Sudarshan for his remarks against Gandhi.
The Congress asked Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ally-the Sangh fountainhead- to condemn Sudashan’s statement if they do not concur with it.
Sudarshan made objectionable remarks against Gandhi at a public function in Bhopal on Wednesday.
Sudarshan had called Gandhi a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) agent and accused her of plotting assassinations of her husband and former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi and his mother Indira Gandhi.
Congress MPs raised a furore over the matter Thursday in parliament, leading to adjournment of both houses till Monday.
“If after the remarks, Congress workers get agitated and do something, I will not be surprised. But, Congress workers have been asked to maintain peace and told that they have the right to organise protests in their states,’ said Congress spokesperson Janardhan Dwivedi.
“We seek the support of all countrymen, media and enlightened people to just sit and think whether such language and rude and baseless allegations should be made against anyone in public life,’ he said.
Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh said: ?We strongly condemn Sudarshan?s statement. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat should tell whether he agrees with the statement or not. If he doesn?t, he should condemn it openly,?
?To say such things against a person who has declined to accept the Prime Minister?s post is totally condemnable,? Singh said.
Meanwhile, the BJP distanced itself from Sudershan?s statement, saying Gandhi was an elected representative and ‘should be treated with respect’.