Patnaik's criticism of Sangh Parivar incurs RSS wrath

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has criticised the statement of Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on last year's anti-Christian violence in Kandhamal.

On Nov. 23 Patnaik told the Legislative Assembly that Sangh Parivar was the brain behind the 2008 violence which killed dozens and displaced thousands.

The investigation into the riot cases, he said, had clearly indicted the RSS, VHP and Bajrang Dal.

Responding to this, RSS state president Bipin Behari Nanda, on Wednesday, termed the comment "unfortunate" and "politically motivated".

The Sangh Parivar, he said, condemned the statement which he speculated would mislead Justice SC Mohapatra commission that is investigating the violence.

Contrary to its activities, Nanda explained RSS as a Hindu body that does not believe in violence. He added that RSS works for nationalism and social service.

Patnaik last week said 85 of those arrested during the violence belonged to RSS, 321 of VHP and 118 to Bajrang Dal.

He also confirmed that 3,327 houses were partially damaged and 1,313 houses were completely damaged in the riot.