Mumbai

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday defended the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for inviting actor Salman Khan to an event addressed by its chief Mohan Bhagwat, asking why the Bollywood star’s presence had sparked controversy.

Salman Khan was among several film personalities who attended the programme held at Mumbai’s Nehru Centre over the weekend, where Bhagwat delivered an address as part of the RSS’s centenary celebrations.

Responding to criticism, Shinde said Khan is an Indian citizen who respects the nation’s traditions and cultural values.

“What is wrong in inviting Salman Khan to an RSS event?” asked Shinde, who heads the ruling Shiv Sena.

He described the RSS as a patriotic organisation and said the spirit of nationalism is deeply ingrained among its volunteers.

Earlier, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut had taken a swipe at the RSS after visuals showed Salman Khan interacting with Bhagwat at the event.

“Was the event meant to welcome a Bollywood star, or was it meant to convey that Muslims are also welcome in the Sangh and its shakhas?” Raut, a Rajya Sabha MP, had remarked while speaking to reporters on Sunday.

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Meanwhile, Maharashtra BJP minister Nitesh Rane also weighed in on the issue, targeting Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray. Rane claimed that Salman Khan was “more Hindu” than Thackeray and praised the actor for having the courage to attend a programme addressed by the RSS chief.