JOIN USPranab Mukherjee will participate in a function of the RSS on June 7 in Nagpur, a development which has surprised many in the Opposition ranks as former president has been an out and out Congressman.
The issue created quite a buzz on Twitter, with some finding nothing wrong in Mukherjee's move while some questioning it and juxtaposing it with Rahul Gandhi's acerbic attack on the RSS on many occasions.
When asked about the development, senior spokesperson of the Congress Shakeel Ahmed said, "We have also got the news from the media. We do not know exactly whether he is going or not.”
Ahmed also said Mukherjee is a "private citizen" and is free to go anywhere. "It is up to him where to go where not to go," he said.
A senior Opposition leader (not from the Congress), whose party had played a key role in Mukherjee's election as president, said he was "surprised" at the latter's decision.
The leader refused to be identified. Some other Opposition leaders also refused to speak up on the matter. Mukherjee shares warm relations with leaders across the political spectrum.
RSS ideologue Rakesh Sinha, however, said that Mukherjee's acceptance to attend the RSS event in Nagpur sends a message to the country that on vital issues there should be dialogue and "adversaries are not enemies".
Mukherjee will be the chief guest at the valedictory session of the "Tritiya Varsh Varg" or the third year course organised by the RSS.
Mukherjee shares a good relationship with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, who had called on him during last days of his tenure as president.
Mukherjee had invited Bhagwat for lunch at Rashtrapati Bhavan in June last year.