Patna SSP Draws Flak After Comparing RSS With PFI, BJP Leaders Demand His Resignation

While speaking to reporters, Dhillon said that said they (the accused) were giving training in martial arts and physical training similar to the branches (shakha) of RSS. 

Patna SSP Manavjeet Singh Dhillon. (Image: Screengrab/Twitter)

Days after Bihar Police busted a terror module and arrest of three persons for providing training on Islamic extremism and terrorism to Muslim youth of the country, Patna SSP Manavjeet Singh Dhillon stroked a massive controversy after he "compared" the Popular Front of India (PFI) with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). While speaking to reporters, Dhillon said that said they (the accused) were giving training in martial arts and physical training similar to the branches (shakha) of RSS. 

"The organisation (PFI) works… to mobilise youths and radicalise them. The modus operandi is similar to that of RSS ‘shakhas’ (branches). They train the youth under the guise of physical education and spread propaganda," he said.

"We have got documents stating that in the PFI camps, martial arts and other training is imparted to members to use sticks and swords," he told reporters. Dhillion's remarks drew criticism, with several lawmakers seeking an apology from him for comparing activities of the PFI with those of the RSS.

"Patna SSP should immediately withdraw such statements and apologise for it. When people like our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh and several others have been associated with the RSS, how can anyone compare it with an organisation that is involved in anti-India activities," senior BJP leader and former Bihar deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi tweeted.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Haribhushan Thakur slamming Dhillon, demanded his termination from the post after his public statement. The minister even said that the Patna SSP has "lost his mental balance".

"The RSS is a nationalist organisation in the country which gives a lesson of unity, integrity and love. It is a cultural organisation based on patriotism. Comparing it with a banned organisation is unfortunate and extremely shocking. The Patna SSP has no right to remain on the post. The state government should terminate him and he should apologise to the nation," Thakur said.

"The IAS and the IPS officers are considered above politics and beyond any influence. The way SSP Dhillon compared the PFI with RSS is extremely unfortunate, shameful and condemnable. These kinds of statements pass wrong messages to society. RSS is an organisation which is going to complete 100 years which promote national interest and nationalism," Nikhil Anand, the national general secretary of BJP OBC wing and spokesperson said.