Developments in Goa RSS due to misunderstanding: Arlekar

Panaji, Sep 2 (PTI) Developments related to Sangh in Goa, including sacking of state unit chief Subhash Velingkar, could be the fallout of "misunderstanding", RSS swayamsewak and BJP minister Rajendra Arlekar said today even as he termed the developments as a "transitional phase".

 "There may be a misunderstanding, either this side (Velingkar camp) or that side (parent RSS). That is why there is a noise around the (ongoing) developments," Forest Minister Arlekar told reporters.

 RSS recently "relieved" Velingkar of the charge as Goa Vibhag Sangh Chalak after Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM), of which he is a convener, announced their intention to float a political outfit to contest Legislative Assembly elections slated next year.

 BBSM has been fighting for withdrawal of grants to English medium schools and for the cause of promoting regional languages as Medium of Instruction (MoI) in the coastal state.

 In subsequent developments, RSS workers in Goa yesterday announced their detachment from the parent body and formed Sangh's separate 'prant' (region) for Goa which was earlier under Konkan region. They even reinstated Velingkar as head of RSS' Goa Prant.

 Against this backdrop, Arlekar said RSS swayamsevaks on both sides are feeling bad and unfortunate about the happenings. "But this is a transitional phase. We will overcome it," he said.

 At the same time, Arlekar clarified that he is not office-bearer of RSS, but has been associated with Sangh for long.

 "What Sangh I know from my childhood is headquartered at Nagpur. There cannot be two sanghs," he said, referring to the Velingkar faction's move to form separate RSS Goa prant.