BJP govt lifts decades-old ban on govt staff joining RSS, Congress flays move
New Delhi: The Narendra Modi-led Indian government has lifted ban on government employees associating with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its activities, a move criticized by the Congress.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the ban, in place since 1966, was lifted by Bharatiya Janata Party govewrnment through an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on July 9.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh questioned the timing of the move, suggesting a connection to the recent strain in relations between the Prime Minister and the RSS. He also mocked the decision, saying it would allow bureaucrats to join the RSS “in knickers too.”
In contrast, BJP’s Amit Malviya welcomed the move, calling the original ban “unconstitutional” and stating that it should not have been passed in the first place.
The RSS was initially banned in 1948 due to concerns over its activities, including the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi by a member. While the ban was later withdrawn, a fresh ban was introduced in 1966.
