"Sardar Patel had banned RSS... ": Sanjay Singh

"Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had banned them. They were banned owing to their behaviour. Their work is that of spreading hatred in the society," Singh said speaking to reporters on Monday.

The Ministry of Personnel has reportedly issued an order that permits government servants to take part in the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Accusing the central government on giving only a minimal amount as tax devolution to Delhi, the AAP leader said, "From the last nine years, the Delhi government has been paying lakhs of crores in taxes and in return they get Rs 325 crore. When they present the budget you may tally my words. In Punjab, they have stalled Rs 11000 crore of industrialists. In Delhi, they stall every work. They do not give us our budget."

In reaction to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's accusation that the opposition MPs stifle his voice in Parliament, Singh said that as opposition, they need to question the government on issues that concern people.

"Why would anyone stifle the Prime Minister. You have increased inflation, unemployment, did not give MSP to farmers- all these issues will be raised. Since we are in the opposition, what is our job? If we do not raise the issues of the people, do we go there to show our face?" the Rajya Sabha MP said.

Speaking on the Adjournment Motion notice under Rule 267 against the Uttar Pradesh government directing all shopkeepers to install nameplates in front of their stall bearing their owner's name, Singh said that the order is unconstitutional.

"The Uttar Pradesh order is unconstitutional and against India's soul, our culture and civilisation. You cannot discriminate against anyone based on their caste or religion. Since the time the BJP lost the polls in Uttar Pradesh, they are targeting dalits, backward, dalits and minorities to identify them and finish off their employment," Singh said.

Pointing out how the government order is discriminatory towards shopkeepers of minority faiths and backward castes, Singh said, "If anyone writes Valmiki Dhaba, Yatav on the nameplate of their shop will any one from BJP go to eat there. Are they going to teach Manusmriti in Delhi University."

The Supreme Court on Monday put an interim stay on directives issued by the authorities of certain state governments that eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route should display the names of the owners outside such shops. (ANI)