Maharashtra Opposition parties demand Bhagwat's apology over Army remark

Mumbai: Opposition parties in Maharashtra demanded an apology from Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat over his alleged remarks on the Indian army. Mr Bhagwat had allegedly said that the army takes around six to seven months to prepare for a war, but the RSS cadre could do it in three days.

“Preparing an army takes six to seven months but we (RSS cadres) will be battle ready in two-three days...this is our capability and discipline that marks us apart,” said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat at a meeting of the organisation in Muzaffarpur on Sunday.

The Opposition has slammed the remark, demanding Mr Bhagwat’s apology. “Earlier Nitin Gadkari and now Dr Bhagwat has insulted the Indian army. Our soldiers do not need certificates from Dr Bhagwat about their preparedness. Dr Bhagwat should begin immediately apologise to the army and the nation,” said Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan.

NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said, “Who is Dr Bhagwat to comment on the preparedness of army? If Dr Bhagwat believes that his cadre is capable of war, then he should ask them to join the army.”