Cong-BJP spar over book on RSS written by Dalit writer

Bengaluru: A verbal spat between Congress and BJP has erupted over a controversial book on RSS authored by prominent Dalit writer Devanur Mahadeva.
While the BJP is calling the book titled “RSS Aala, Agala” (RSS, the Depth and Breadth) propaganda against the saffron outfit, the Congress is claiming that it has been written with proper documents and evidence.
Opposition leader Siddaramaiah said the RSS might lodge a complaint against the author and demand banning of the book as it does not appreciate the truth. “It is an act of denying the right to freedom of expression,” he stated.
Mahadeva is known for taking anti-establishment stands.
The book portrays Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “Utsav Murthy ” (Parading Deity) and the real control lies with RSS headquartered at Nagpur. It also labels RSS members as ‘Manuvaadis’ who want to remove the Indian Constitution.
The book also stated that “Bhagavad Gita is an instrument of slavery”.
Countering Siddaramaiah’s remarks, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha labelled Mahadeva as a servant of Congress.
“After writing Kusumabale, I felt he would have some creativity left in him, but by authoring the book on RSS, he has lost a semblance of respect too. He has written the book as a Congress servant and there is no depth and breadth about RSS. It is simply propaganda,” he said.
Simha stated that the book appears to be a compilation of Rahul Gandhi’s speeches and Siddaramaiah himself releasing it speaks volumes about it.
He also flayed Mahadeva for being silent on the existence of division among Christians and Muslims, but loud on Chaturvarna. (UNI)