Ranchi, Nov. 1: After lambasting dissenting writers, scientists and rationalists and issuing provocative statements on religious census, minorities and tribals, the RSS on the last day of its three-day national executive meeting here softened its rhetoric to champion the Hindu Dalit cause.

Pulling up two Shankaracharyas for their alleged anti-Dalit and anti-Sai Baba remarks, the RSS stressed on plans for social integration of Hindus with a focus against untouchability and caste discrimination.

"Ensuring Dalit access to temples, common cremation grounds and water sources for all Hindus are some key RSS concerns," said general secretary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi.

On Puri Shankaracharya Nischalananda Saraswati's earlier justification of the ban on dalits in temples, Joshi called banning anybody on the grounds of caste "unacceptable". "The RSS is of the view that discriminations are wrong because they go against the integration of Hindu society."

Joshi issued a measured statement on a recent row where Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopananda Saraswati of Dwarka refused to accept Sai Baba as a god or saint of the Hindu pantheon. "Sai Baba never declared himself as god. But he is a great saint," Joshi said.

The RSS also stressed the need to re-look at National Education Policy and set up academic institutions to promote "Indian cultural values".

Tribal outfits have reacted sharply to reported RSS remarks yesterday about "tribals being Hindus" and there being "no need" for a Sarna code. This evening, they burnt effigies of RSS top brass including Mohan Bhagwat and Gopal Krishna, and Union tribal affairs minister Jual Oram, who called tribals Hindus in an earlier visit to Jharkhand.