Storm over DD telecast of RSS chief's speech

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday gave a thumbs up to the Narendra Modi government in his annual Vijaya Dashami address controversially telecast live on Doordarshan.

Bhagwat lauded Modi for his initiatives on national security, economy and international relations and said that his government 'is moving in the right direction.'

He said people should give some more time to the Modi government for expedition and efficient execution of its policies.

Read: Full text of RSS chief Bhagwat's speech

DD telecast abuse of state power: Cong, Left

For the first time ever, the RSS chief's speech was telecast live on Doordarshan prompting the Congress and Left parties to accuse the Modi government of misusing the state broadcaster.

Terming the live telecast a "dangerous tradition" Congress spokesman Sandeep Dikshit said, "This is not an organisation which is completely neutral. It is a controversial organisation."

The CPI(M) condemned the telecast saying, "The national public broadcaster has no business to telecast live the speech of the chief of an organisation like the RSS."

Doordarshan officials defended the live coverage saying it was a newsworthy event.

Read: RSS chief's speech aired live on Doordarshan, Opposition calls it abuse of state power


Watch: Modi's US visit gives us renewed hope, says RSS chief Bhagwat

In his hour-long speech, Bhagwat, who had once pulled up the rank and file of the Sangh Parivar for shouting "Namo, Namo" and contested Narendra Modi giving credit to BJP chief Amit Shah for the election victory, showered praises on the government.

He said positive signs are emanating that give people the hope that India is emerging stronger on the international stage.

"There is no magic wand to change to change things, but the government seems committed," said the RSS chief who normally criticises the central government every year.

Bhagwat said Prime Minister Modi's recent visit to the US has sent positive signals and ushered in a new enthusiasm among people of the country.

"A new ray of hope has entered the hearts of the people. The entire country was feeling proud of the visit and the subsequent talks with the US government," he said, adding, the world needs India.

Voicing concern over 'upsurge in jihadi activities' in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the RSS chief said the state governments there were doing nothing to tackle the threat this posed to citizens.

He also criticised the governments in West Bengal and Assam saying, "The population imbalance in West Bengal and Assam has been caused by illegal migration of a particular community from across the national border. The ruling parties in those states have adopted a 'near surrender policy."

The RSS chief also called for a ban on beef exports, and for an end to widespread purchases of Chinese products.

Speaking on global terrorism, he blamed western countries for the rise of Islamic State. "The selfish interest by the western countries is fully responsible for a new incarnation of terror and fundamentalism that emerged in West Asia in the name of ISIS," Bhagwat said.

RSS chief raised relevant issues: Modi

Meanwhile, PM Modi hailed Bhagwat's speech and said the issues of social reform he raised "are very relevant."

"Mohan Bhagwat ji talked about important national issues in his speech. The issues of social reform that he raised are very relevant today," Modi tweeted.

Mohan Bhagwat ji talked about important national issues in his speech. The issues of social reform that he raised are very relevant today.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 3, 2014

(With inputs from agencies)

First Published: Oct 03, 2014 17:09 IST