Mumbai, June 4: Ahead of Eid on June 16, iftar parties are being organised across India to commemorate the festive season of 'Ramzaan.' The Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), too, has decided to throw an iftar party, a move that has raised eyebrows in the political sphere. Many suspect the idea behind the party is vested interest.

On the contrary, the RSS claimed the reason behind organising the iftar party is to change the prevailing misconception about the RSS among minorities. Virag Pachpore, national convenor of MRM, reacted over the uproar. He said that the only motive is to drive across the point that the RSS is not against any community.

The MRM has reportedly called the iftar party for diplomats from Islamic countries and prominent members of the community on June 4 at the Maharashtra state-owned guest house - Sahyadri - in Malabar Hill. It's the first time the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh will be holding an iftar party in Mumbai. However, as the venue of the party is government owned guest house, it drew a lot of controversies. Activists from Mumbai city have sought cancellation of the iftar party saying the place cannot be used for any religious or public functions and is meant for only official meetings. Activist Shakeel Ahmed Shaikh has protested against such an event inside the guest house. In his letter to the Governor of Maharashtra, Shaikh has demanded an inquiry against the officials of the government who allowed the MRM to host the party.

Furthermore, Samajwadi Party Maharashtra state president Abu Azmi has asked all to boycott the RSS iftar party. While speaking to media, he said that firstly RSS should change its ideology instead of spreading "saffron terror". Azmi remarked that the minority communities should be ensured protection. "RSS, which is killing people in the name of love jihad, religion change, should stop the cruelty, then only Muslim community will believe that they have affection for the people belonging from the minority community," Azmi said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 04, 2018 06:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).