Vijayapura: Addanda Cariappa, the Director of Mysore-based Rangayana who is known for his proximity with the RSS, has asserted that he likes RSS because the RSS is a patriotic organization.

“ Yes, I like RSS very much. Why me only. Our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi is from RSS, our President of India has the RSS background and even Minister Kannada and Culture, V. Sunil Kumar too comes from RSS. Why are you always questioning me? As far as RSS is concerned, I like the organization because it believes and preaches patriotism and it is a patriotic organization,” he said.

Asked about the controversy raised over the invitation given by Rangayana to a right-wing activist, Chakravarti Sulibele for the recently held Bahurupi event, Cariappa said that he does not believe that Sulibele is the communal persons or one who spread communal agenda.

“ I don’t know what communalism is in the first place. Now, about Sulibele, I called him because I dont thinks he  is a communal man. Sulibele is an educated and intellectual person who preaches nationalism. He inspires people to become patriots. He has been actively working for the preservation of Indian culture and tradition and soil.  Considering all these aspects, I had invited him for the event. I will continue to invite people of my choice in coming days also”, he declared.

It may be noted that Cariappa drew sharp criticism from various activists for inviting Sulibele to deliver a lecture during the Bahurupi festival held at Rangayana a few weeks ago.

Though many activists criticized Cariappa and urged him to drop the name of Sulibele from the invitees, Carriappa was determined in his stand. He also did not agree that Sulibele is a strong pro-Hindutva activist who believes in majoritarian theory and issues anti-minority statements.