Subhash Velingkar, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh strongman in Goa, who was sacked yesterday, has held Union minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari responsible.

In a first-of-its-kind-revolt in the 91-year-old organisation, 400 RSS office bearers resigned from their posts in protest against this decision, demanding that Velingkar be immediately reinstated.

Speaking to Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com over the phone, Velingkar said he would not term his removal a 'sacking' and said he was only 'relieved' from the RSS.   Read the full interview on Rediff.com shortly.