New Delhi: Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh's former Sarkaryavah Shri Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi on Tuesday said that 'Hindu' and 'Hindutva' are the same, adding that an attempt is being made to create a misconception. Presently, Shri Bhaiyyaji Joshi is a member of Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal.
"'Hindu' and 'Hindutva' are not two different ideas. They are the same. The unnecessary controversy around this topic is an attempt to create a misconception," Bhaiyyaji told ANI.
Citing an example that if a person is a Hindu, then Hindutva indicates one's character, he said, "If I am a Hindu, then Hindutva indicates my character. Therefore Hindu and Hindutva are not different things."
He added, "Those who think this statement is right can find no reason to reject it. He ( Rahul Gandhi) said that these two things are different. If I am a Hindu, then Hindutva indicates my character. So Hindu and Hindutva are not different things. They are one and the same thing."
"Some people are busy spreading rumours about the matter. Those who are busy raking controversies are laying the foundation stone based on rumours," Bhaiyyaji said.
Shri Bhaiyyaji Joshi was attending a cultural programme in Delhi where Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh was also present.
Earlier on December 18, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spoke about the difference between Hindu and Hindutvavadi. He said while a Hindutvavadi could be described as someone bathing alone in the Ganges, a Hindu is one who takes crores along. (With inputs from ANI)
