New Delhi: Stoutly defending Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)'s "trishul diksha" programme, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on May 3 criticised the attempts by political parties to make it "controversial".

"It is a purely symbolic programme and it needs to be viewed in that context. It is not a weapon but a holy symbol. A political controversy is sought to be created," RSS spokesman Ram Madhav told reporters at the end of the three-day sangh parivar conclave.

He said RSS has not asked VHP to call off its "trishul diksha" programme.

Madhav claimed that the issue did not figure at the meeting nor did any of the leaders make any reference to it.

PTI