M A I N   N E W S

Sudarshan new RSS chief

NAGPUR, March 10 (PTI) — Mr K.C. Sudarshan was today appointed the new chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), succeeding Mr Rajendra Singh, alias Rajju Bhaiyya, who stepped down because of his failing health.

Mr Kuppahali Seetaramaiyah Sudarshan, an electronic and telecommunication engineer by education, was inducted into the top post of the organisation on the opening day of the triennial three-day Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha, the RSS governing body.

Addressing about 1,500 delegates, Rajju Bhaiyya said he was stepping down after six years of stint as the “sarsanghchalak” (chief) in view of his deteriorating health since the past one year.

He said the second-in-command or “sarkaryawah” of the RSS, Mr H.V. Seshadri, was also not keeping good health and has hence declined to accept the responsibility.

The choice, therefore, fell on Mr Sudarshan, who brought with him “maturity and vast experience” to lead the organisation, Rajju Bhaiyya said.

He then invited Mr Sudarshan, to the dias who sought blessings from him and Mr Seshadri before occupying the “highest chair”. Mr Sudarshan was felicitated with a shawl by the outgoing chief.

Coming down heavily on Pope John Paul, Mr Seshadri said the former, during his visit to the country, played a ‘sectarian’ role totally opposed to Indian religious tradition by declaring his goal of spreading Christianity in the whole of Asia in the new millennium.

While China, Taiwan and Sri Lanka turned down the Papal’s request to hold Asian bishops conference in their countries, India had accepted the request of the Pope in keeping with its tradition of religious tolerance, he said.

On the recent hijacking of the Indian Airlines aircraft and release of militants in exchange for hostages, Mr Seshadri felt that the problem could have been handled “more deftly” at the early stages.

He asked the government to undertake stringent measures to plug loopholes. He also cautioned human rights organisations to beware of espousing the cause of inimical elements such as the ISI and other terrorist outfits in the northern sector.

Later Rajju Bhaiyya reiterated his resolve to continue to “guide” the RSS, despite his failing health.