Giani Harpreet Singh, chief priest of the Akal Takht – the highest Sikh temporal seat – has said the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) should be banned because the way it was working, it would divide the nation.
Singh told journalists in Amritsar that the remarks made by RSS leaders were not in the interest of the country.
Singh said RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s alleged statement to convert India into a Hindu nation will prove dangerous for the secular fabric of the country.
When asked about his statement that RSS should be banned, he said, "Yes it should be banned. I believe what RSS is doing can't keep the nation together but to divide it. The statements being made by RSS leaders are not in the interest of the country. Indian government should rein in”.
On RSS’ support to Narendra Modi government, Akal Takht chief said, "It is not in the interest of the country. It would hurt the country and destroy it.
Singh who is the highest priest of the chief centre of the religious authority of Sikhism in the country said he does not have a problem with RSS celebrating the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.
“We have no problem if RSS celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. But they must celebrate it under the Sikh code of conduct and must not violate any rule, trading or ritual of Sikhism,” he added.
He, however, refused to comment on the possibility of RSS extending support to BJP ally Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)