Jaipur, August 21: Rajasthan Minister Shanti Dhariwal on Tuesday sparked a controversy by saying that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has been a strong opponent of the national flag as well as the national anthem. According toa  tweet by ANI, Dhariwal was quoted saying that since 1925, RSS has been saying that the National anthem 'Jana Gana Mana' doesn't instill a feeling of patriotism like a National song does. "They were against National anthem & also used to say it openly that there should be only one colour, saffron, in the flag, instead of tricolour", Dhariwal said. RSS' Role in 'Nation-Building' Part of Maharashtra Varsity Syllabus.

The Minister made the statement while addressing a programme organised to celebrate late former Prime Minister and Congress chief's Rajiv Gandhi'S 75th birth anniversary in Rajasthan. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot were also present on the occasion. He also claimed that the RSS workers also oppose the national anthem as they believe that it doesn't generate that intensity of patriotism in people.

Here's the tweet:

Dhariwal further went on to say that Rajiv Gandhi was very troubled with the ideologies of RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) and that he was sure that if the country ever faces communal tensions, it'll be due to RSS's policies. Taking a jibe at the RSS, the Minister said when Mahatma Gandhi asked people across the country to celebrate independence day on January 26, 1930 and unfurl tricolour, the RSS had unfurled saffron flag instead of tricolour.

On Tuesday, the Congress in Goa accused the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh for constantly criticising Jawaharlal Nehru. At a press conference, Goa Congress chief Girish Chodankar said BJP leaders were ignorant of history, due to which they blame Nehru, the country’s first prime minister, for everything. “It is a well-known fact that RSS and its sister organisations were with the British government when the country was fighting for independence,” he said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 21, 2019 10:25 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).