The RSS has long prided itself as being the world's biggest cultural organisation.
However, when Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat offered to prepare an army of volunteers in just three days, against six-months taken by the Indian Army, it was met with disbelief and, predictably, sharp criticism.
What made matters worse was the fact that the statement came at a time when Army camps had come under attack from terrorists in Kashmir. Bhagwat's comments were considered downright insensitive and kicked up a political storm.
Even social media erupted over the perceived disrespect towards the men in olive greens.
The RSS holds shakhas (or training camps) where basic fitness and self-defence training is imparted to volunteers. The physical training revolves around building resilience and use of lathis for self-defence. The Sangh had said this was only to be used when the country needed it during the times of crisis.
But critics had often used the physical training as an aspect to hit out at the RSS, saying it has been used against minorities. Bhagwat's views intended to reinforce that critical perception.
The RSS, however, was quick to issue a clarification, saying Bhagwat's views have been misconstrued.
“Bhagwat ji had said that if the situation arises and the Constitution permits, Indian Army would take 6 months to prepare the society whereas Sangh swayamsevaks can be trained in 3 days, as swayamsevaks practise discipline regularly,” RSS spokesperson Manmohan Vaidya said.
“This was in no way a comparison between the Indian Army and the Sangh swayamsevaks but it was a comparison between general society and swayamsevaks. Both are to be trained by the Indian Army only.”
Given that Bhagwat has a moral authority over the BJP and the Modi government as he is head of the RSS, his views are likely to haunt them for a long time.
The Congress and the Left parties had jumped at the opportunity to attack RSS and Bhagwat.
Congress chief Rahul Gandhi sought an apology from Bhagwat as he said his statement was an insult to the Army.
Bhagwat's views had cost the BJP dearly in the past, particular during elections. His views on quotas were used by the Congress and RJD to hit out at the BJP during the 2015 Bihar elections.
As elections are to be held in three states in the northeast and later in Karnataka, the opposition will use his views to their advantage.
