RSS distances itself from ‘Panchajanya’ article targeting Infosys

New Delhi: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) distanced itself from an article published in Panchajanya, a journal championing Hindu cause, that attacked Infosys’ Chairman Nandan Nilekani over glitches in the income tax portal. The clarification by Sunil Ambekar, All India Prachaar Pramukh (communications chief) of the RSS, activists said, may have come after “somebody in the government” flagged the matter.

In its September 5 edition, Panchjanya had a four-page cover story on Infosys — Saakh Aur Aghaat (Reputation and Damage), with its founder Narayana Murthy”s picture on the cover page. The article in the publication — which supports the cause taken up by the RSS, and sometimes goes beyond them — said there were accusations that the Infosys management was “deliberately trying to destabilise India’s economy”. It dubbed the Bengaluru-based company as “unchi dukaan, phika pakwaan (great cry and little wool)”.

To set the record straight, the RSS came out with a reproof to Panchajanya. “As an Indian company, Infosys has a significant contribution in the progress of India. There may be some issues regarding the portal operated by Infosys but the articles published in this context in Panchjanya are the personal views of the author. Panchajanya is not a mouthpiece of the RSS and the said article or opinions expressed in it should not be linked with the Sangh,” Ambekar said.

Insiders in the Sangh said the attack on Infosys may have been motivated by Sangh workers and activists who see themselves as “more Hindu” than some members of the government.

After Ambekar’s clarification, there was no response from Panchajanya or others on the board of Bharat Prakashan, the company that is the printer and publisher of Panchajanya, despite several messages. Panchjanya editor Hitesh Shankar was saying that Infosys is a big firm and very crucial works were given to it by the government based on its credibility.

With glitches continuing on the I-T Department’s new e-filing portal, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had given project vendor Infosys time until September 15 to resolve issues being faced by taxpayers.

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