Row over Nagpur CP at RSS event: Opposition slams, BJP defends; Nangre Patil silent

Kolhapur: A political controversy has erupted after Nagpur police commissioner Vishwas Nangre Patil attended a ‘Hindu Sammelan 2026’ event and praised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for its discipline, with opposition parties questioning his neutrality and BJP functionaries rallying in his defence.An undated video clip of Nangre Patil’s speech has drawn sharp reactions.

Maharashtra

Navnirman Sena chief

Raj Thackeray

reportedly advised the senior IPS officer to resign if he wished to openly support RSS or BJP, while

Congress

accused him of disrespecting the Constitutional oath.Backing the officer, BJP politicians said there was nothing improper about the appearance. “RSS is not an anti-national organisation. It teaches patriotism and believes the motherland as one's own mother.

Attempts were made to ban RSS thrice. But it came out shining. We are volunteers of RSS. We visit all six functions of RSS, walk in the parade with a stick. I will suggest that those opposing Nangre Patil visit RSS shakhas, as one can learn discipline and sanskar there.

It is not wrong if Vishwas Nangre Patil attends any RSS programme,” said minister Chandrakant Patil in Sangli.BJP politicians further argued that when the Prime Minister, chief minister and ministers openly associate with the RSS, an officer addressing its platform should not be construed as misconduct.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief

Uddhav Thackeray

hit back, questioning the selective defence. “If it is not wrong to attend RSS programme, then Vishwas Nangre Patil should also visit Shiv Sena's shakhas. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Indira Gandhi banned RSS. Chandrakant Patil needs some history lessons. They say they wanted Patel as Prime Minister. I wish he were, since he was the one who banned RSS,” he said while addressing media in Parbhani.Nangre Patil has not yet responded to the controversy.