Mumbai, Oct 13 (NationPress) In response to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s son, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, likening the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological backbone of the BJP, to the Taliban, Sanjay Nirupam from Shiv Sena has called for an immediate retraction of this statement and a public apology to the RSS to resolve the dispute.

Speaking to IANS, Nirupam expressed, “This statement is exceedingly inappropriate. The RSS is a cultural entity, not a militant organization. It embraces the ideology of Hindutva, which is the essence of India, promoting Hindu culture. Hindutva does not stand against any religion. By equating the RSS with the Taliban, he seeks to tarnish the organization’s reputation. He must retract his statement and issue a public apology.”

Additionally, Nirupam addressed the ongoing Rs 60 crore fraud case involving Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty’s spouse, Raj Kundra.

He stated, “Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra are under serious allegations regarding the embezzlement of Rs 60 crore. The police are conducting intense interrogations, leading to significant disclosures. These events raise doubts about their business dealings. A thorough investigation is essential, and if they are found culpable, they should face stringent penalties.”

Regarding senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram’s recent assertion that the 1984 Operation Blue Star was a “mistake,” Nirupam remarked, “Chidambaram’s statement is astonishing. The military operation at the Golden Temple, executed under Indira Gandhi’s command, was crucial for eliminating a terrorist like Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. Labeling it a mistake is profoundly objectionable. Does the Congress party endorse Chidambaram’s perspective? Indira Gandhi’s decision was long viewed as a symbol of valor by the Congress. If the party disagrees, it should clarify its stance. First Shashi Tharoor, now Chidambaram – it seems senior Congress figures are increasingly diverging from party lines.”

Nirupam also commented on Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray’s visit to Matoshree, the residence of Shiv Sena (UBT) head Uddhav Thackeray, referring to it as a “family lunch.”

He remarked, “The meeting between the Thackeray brothers is a personal family gathering, and there’s no reason for objection. However, it has no political importance. Both leaders have diminished their political influence. The MNS joining the Maha Vikas Aghadi raises concerns. The Congress must clarify its stance regarding an alliance with a party like the MNS, which has previously targeted North Indians in Mumbai. Aligning with such factions would negatively impact Congress’s reputation on regional unity.”