Uddhav Thackeray backs RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's remarks about India being a "Hindu rashtra", which had kicked up a storm, received support from expected quarters — Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray.

"This was the stance taken by Shiv Sena chief (late Bal Thackeray)," said Uddhav on the sidelines of a function to induct leaders from the NCP and Congress into the Sena, adding that there was nothing wrong with Bhagwat's remarks.

Speaking at a function on Sunday to commemorate the 50th year of the foundation of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bhagwat, who is the sarsanghachalak of the RSS, the ideological fountainhead of the Sangh Parivar, had stressed on "Hindustan being a Hindu rashtra" and about "Hindutva being the identity of our nation". He had also spoken about how Hindutva had the capacity to assimilate other religions in itself and the comments had drawn flak from the Opposition.

Bhagwat's earlier comments about the cultural identity of all Indians being Hindutva was also criticised.

Uddhav also supported the decision of the Narendra Modi-led government to call off the proposed secretary-level talks with Pakistan after the Pakistani ambassador met Kashmiri separatists.