World · World News Bureau
Religious leaders claim deception over attendance at RSS-affiliated gathering
Faith leaders have alleged they were misled about the nature and sponsorship of an event they attended that was later revealed to have links to the Hindu nationalist Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. The leaders say they were not informed of the RSS connection when invited to the gathering.
LSN World News ·
A group of religious leaders have accused organisers of deliberately misleading them about an event's true nature and backing, claiming they would not have participated had they known of its links to the RSS, a Hindu nationalist organisation.
The faith leaders said they received invitations that did not disclose the event's connection to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, one of India's most prominent right-wing organisations. They contend they were told the gathering would focus on interfaith dialogue and community matters, only to discover upon arrival or afterward that the RSS was involved in organising or sponsoring the event.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions in South Asia regarding religious nationalism and the tactics used to secure participation from diverse faith communities. Several religious leaders expressed concern that such deceptive practices undermine trust and authentic dialogue between different religious groups.
The organisers have not yet issued a public response to the allegations. The matter comes at a time of heightened scrutiny regarding communal relations and the role of religious organisations in regional politics.