RSS, Shiv Sena trying to disown the Constitution, says NCP

Condemning the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Shiv Sena over the "India is a Hindu nation" remark, the Nationalist Congress Party said on Friday the two organisations are trying to "disown the Constitution", drafted by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar.

Stoking yet another controversy, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had said India is a Hindu nation and Hindutva is its identity, while Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray had backed Bhagwat's statement.

"India is a secular country. The demand to declare India a Hindu nation was made even before Independence, but Ambedkar rejected these while drafting the Constitution," NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik told reporters here.

"Despite this, RSS and Shiv Sena are propagating the demand for a Hindu Rashtra," Malik said, adding "this is nothing but an attempt to disown the Constitution". He said if anyone tries to touch the Constitution, the people of the country would not tolerate it.

"Uddhav Thackeray, who blames Pakistan as 'bitter gourd', should put forth his views to Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Malik said.

Modi and Nawaz Sharif have cordial ties, he said.