Ambedkar questions propriety of 'shastra pujan' by RSS

Nagpur: Former MP and senior RPI leader Prakash Ambedkar on Saturday questioned the propriety of 'shastra pujan' (worship of weapons) by the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), which is part of its annual ritual during Dussehra celebrations.

"RSS should clarify what prompts it to perform the weapon worship ritual every year on the occasion of Vijayadashmi," Ambedkar said a press conference here today.

He said it was improper for an organisation like RSS, whose affiliate BJP is in power to carry out such an age-old practice.

"Shastra pujan was symbolic of self defence from enemy. Today, we have Military to fight the enemies across the borders or threats from Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, on sea and in air and paramilitary force like CRPF, BSF and ITBP to handle the situation on the domestic front," Ambedkar said.

"Shastra pujan will remain a problem for the political leadership," he added.