Divisive political forces posted morphed photo of Pranab Mukherjee: RSS

The RSS also accused these forces of initially refraining Mukherjee from attending the event.

In a statement, Dr. Manmohan Vaidya, Sah Sarkaryavah of RSS, said, "Some divisive political forces have posted a morphed photo of former president of Bharat, Dr.Pranab Mukherjee standing in a prayer position with a folded hand during recitation of Sangha Prarthana at yesterday's RSS function at Nagpur."

"These forces initially tried to create an opposition to make Dr.Mukherjee refrain from attending this function and now these frustrated forces are indulging in all such dirty tricks to defame RSS," he stated.

"We denounce and strongly condemn the lowly act of these divisive political forces who are deliberately trying to defame RSS," Vaidya added.

Amid massive disappointment of his political clan, Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday created history by addressing an event of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangha (RSS) in Nagpur, invoking the spirit of nationalism and patriotism while calling for unity and plurality as the core ethos of India.

Hailing the ancient legacy of India, Mukherjee had said "intolerance dilutes the idea of nationalism" even as his presence at the RSS event is seen as a historic move that earned the right-wing Hindu organisation, considered a communal and untouchable force by the Congress, a legitimacy and respectability hitherto denied by India's "secular" leaders and political outfits.

Sharing the stage with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, he had urged everyone to believe in "One India, One identity."

"Pluralism and diversity are our strength. The soul of India lies in pluralism and tolerance," Mukherjee had said addressing an annual training camp of the RSS meant for recruits in their third year in the right wing body.