Aurangzeb not relevant today but tomb issue is, says RSS

NAGPUR: RSS chief spokesperson Sunil Ambekar said Wednesday that Mughal emperor Aurangzeb was not relevant in present times. He was responding to a query on the Nagpur riots, triggered by demands to raze the Mughal ruler's tomb. Talking to TOI, Ambekar said, "The glorification of Aurangzeb should stop. The tomb issue is not irrelevant; Aurangzeb is," Ambekar clarified.

"Any kind of violence is not good for society. Cops are carrying out probe into Nagpur riots," he said while addressing a presser in Bengaluru to announce the start of annual Akhil Bhartiya Pratinidhi Sabha from March 21 to 23.

Responding to a query on PM Modi's proposed visit to Nagpur during which he is scheduled to pay homage at RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar's memorial, Ambekar said Modi will not be the first PM to do so. Even Atal Bihari Vajpayee had visited Smruti Mandir, Reshimbagh.

The annual sabha will be attended by senior Sangh functionaries, including RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, along with workers from across the country. Ambekar emphasised the meet will focus on RSS' nationwide centenary celebrations from Vijayadashami this year. The expansion strategy will revolve around the "Panch Parivartan" initiative, which includes promoting social harmony, family awareness, environmental consciousness, self-reliance, and civic duty.

The Sangh conclave will also pass two key resolutions - one addressing Hindu persecution in Bangladesh and another commemorating RSS' century-long journey. RSS will release a special statement on Karnataka's warrior queen, Rani Abbakka, recognising her 500-year-old legacy. "RSS is turning 100 this year, expansion of Sangh work will be deliberated upon," he said.

On the training front, Ambekar revealed RSS will conduct 95 prashikshan vargs (training camps) across India. Plans for a nationwide outreach programme led by Bhagwat will also be finalised.

Bengaluru is hosting the annual conclave after a four-year gap, and the event will see participation from 32 Sangh-affiliated representatives, including BJP's JP Nadda, Rashtra Sevika Samiti chief Vandaniya Shantakka, VHP president Alok Kumar, and the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh president.

On March 23, Hosabale will address the media, summarising key takeaways from the three-day deliberations.

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