Row over Aditi Tatkare’s name on RSS card

Mumbai: A proposed programme of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat at Raigad fort in memory of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has kicked off a new political controversy in the state.

The invitation card of the programme being sent to the invitees mentions Aditi Tatkare, the daughter of the Nationalist Congress Party’s state president Sunil Tatkare, as an organiser of the function. Ms Tatkare, who is also the chairman of the local district, Raigad’s Zilla Parishad, clarified that her name is being mentioned as per protocol.

The programme of paying tribute to 17th century Maratha King on his death anniversary according to the Shalivahan calendar is scheduled on Saturday 31, 2018.

Dr Bhagwat will be the chief guest of the function while Raigad’s guardian minister Ravindra Chavan will preside it. The programme will be held at Raj Sabha (the king’s court) at Raigad. Being a district president of Raigad, Ms Tatkare is also a chairman of the Raigad Puja Nidhi, a fund that is used for the function.

As ideological battle has erupted between the RSS and progressive, secular front in state, many from the latter camps are raising questions over Ms Tatkare sharing the dais with Dr Bhagwat. Many NCP supporters have expressed their anguish on social media.

Mr Tatkare issued a statement on the controversy. “Ms Aditi is ZP chairman. So her name is printed there as per protocol. She does not support the ideology of the RSS or Dr Bhagwat” Mr Tatkare said.  

Ms Tatkare also clarified saying that she would not attend the function. “My name is there as per protocol but neither we as ZP arranged nor as party helped it. My absence to the programme is not boycott. My name is there on the invitation card as mere protocol. It is not compulsory for me to attend it,” she said.