RSS an 'extra-constitutional authority', says Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has a "hold" on the NDA-led central government as an "extra-constitutional authority".

Speaking to media here on Thursday, Gehlot opined that the RSS should convert into a political party and merge with the BJP.

"RSS has its hold on the government as an extra-constitutional authority. No one becomes a Chief Minister or a Minister without asking RSS. That's the present situation. It should convert into a political party and merge with the BJP. We don't have a problem with that," he said.

Gehlot also said that RSS had earlier "given in writing" that it would not get into politics, being a culturalorganisation.

"RSS is a cultural organisation, they have got nothing to do with politics. When it was banned, they had given in writing that they will not get involved in politics and would continue to be a cultural organisation," Gehlot said.

"It (RSS) should stick to its words," he added.

-ANI