RSS ideologue MG Vaidya calls Mahatma Gandhi’s killer a ‘murderer’

On a day even as Hindu Mahasabha and other radical rightwing outfits to commemorate the death anniversary of Nathuram Godse, RSS ideologue MG Vaidya has called Mahatma Gandhi’s killer a ‘murderer’.

Vaidya told ET that this was not a new position by the Sangh Parivar and that the RSS had always respected and venerated Mahatma Gandhi. “Every RSS worker sings the Ekatmata Stotra which venerates leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Subhas Chandra Bose along with several RSS leaders. Gandhi has done a lot for the freedom struggle and that cannot be disputed.”said Vaidya.

He added that Godse killing Gandhi hurt hurt the cause of ‘Hindutva’. “ There can be fights on ideologies but it does not mean you kill the other person. Such activities actually hurt the cause of Hindutva.”

When pointed out that BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj who last year had claimed Nathuram Godse a ‘patriot’, Vaidya shot back. “That you have to ask him. I cannot speak for him.” Said Vaidya.