Why single out Gadkari on corruption, asks RSS

Dattatreya Hosabele, joint general secretary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), asked yesterday why BJP president Nitin Gadkari was being singled out in land deals when there are "several others allegedly involved." He added that the law would take its own course and those who are found guilty should be punished.

Potshot:u00a0Nitin Gadkari chats with MP Banwarilal Purohit (centre) and BJP MP Ajay Sanchite during the RSS Vijaya Dashmi programme in Nagpur. File pic

Speaking to reporters here after the inauguration of the RSS' three-day national council meet on the city outskirts, Hosabele said, "If there is any allegation against anybody, the due process of law should take place. Those found guilty should be punished."

He said RSS does not support the corrupt or corruption and it is for individuals and their parties to explain the charges levelled against them by the India Against Corruption activist Arvind Kejriwal.

"Kejriwal has come out with some proof and it is for the Congress and the BJP to answer," Hosabele said.

To a question whether RSS would take action against Gadkari, Hosabele said he meets all leaders but does not discuss cases of individual
corruption.

"We cannot interfere in BJP's decision. The BJP national leadership took a decision against BS Yeddyurappa since there were Lokayukta cases against him," Hosabele said.

Yeddyurappa, Karnataka's former chief minister who parted ways with the BJP, intends to float his own party.

Hosabele added that it is for the BJP to take a decision on Gadkari, based on the outcome of an inquiry.

According to him the RSS does not have any soft corner for any particular individual.u00a0