RSS chief against ideological untouchability

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat Wednesday said India needs to do away with "ideological untouchability".

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat Wednesday said India needs to do away with "ideological untouchability".

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Speaking at a book release function, he said while people may disagree with the ideology of RSS, ultimately all well-meaning Indians must broadly agree about the shape of India's future.

He emphasised that India should not ape the West and instead carve out an original model of growth. "We (India) need merciless introspection," Bhagwat said.

Bhagwat released the book "India Battles to Win". It has been written by Tarun Vijay, a former editor of RSS mouthpiece "Panchjanya" who is considered a frontline rightwing ideologue.

Talking about the recent war of words between India and China, Bhagwat emphasized that New Delhi should learn from the mistakes of the 1962 war.

"Though we don't believe in expansionism, India should be capable enough to ensure that it doesn't feel threatened by anyone," he said.

Bhagwat said India's poor relations with its neighbours were a cause of concern.