Congress president Rahul Gandhi will find himself in a tricky situation if RSS invite lands up at his table. File photo

The BJP's ideological parent RSS may invite Congress president Rahul Gandhi to attend its three-day lecture series next month in the national capital. Though the RSS has not taken a final decision, whether or not Rahul Gandhi accepts the invite is the moot question if indeed it is sent to him.

Rahul Gandhi will face a Catch-22 situation if the RSS invite from its chief Mohan Bhagwat really lands up at his table. He will be faced with both choices - to accept or reject the offer to attend the lecture series.

And both the options may be tricky for Rahul Gandhi.

There are issues galore if Rahul Gandhi turns down the RSS invite. He has adopted a belligerent stand against the RSS, calling it names.

Rahul Gandhi has gone to the extent of alleging that the RSS was behind the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. While addressing a public rally near Bhiwandi in Thane district of Maharashtra on March 6, 2014, Rahul had alleged that "the RSS people had killed [Mahatma] Gandhi".

Rajesh Kunte, a local RSS worker, filed a defamation case against Rahul Gandhi claiming that the latter's statement slandered the reputation of the RSS. Rahul Gandhi has appeared before the court in the matter which is sub judice.

Rahul Gandhi has been alleging in his public speeches that the RSS wants to abolish reservation to SCs and STs. He also accused the RSS of being anti-women.

He has accused the RSS of trying to disempower women. The RSS's doors are closed for women, he said.

Rahul Gandhi has also dared Prime Minister Narendra Modi to debate with him, giving the impression that he is always ready to take the BJP and the RSS on.

However, if he himself declines the offer, it would be seen as a sign of weakness on his part.

The BJP may seek to embarrass Rahul Gandhi by claiming that he has run away from the lecture.

After making these allegations against the RSS, therefore, Rahul Gandhi can hardly afford to reject the invite of it is sent to him.

Now if Rahul Gandhi accepts the RSS invite, it may not be any less worrisome for him.

By visiting the RSS programme, Rahul Gandhi would be accused of providing legitimacy to the right-wing cultural organisation.

Former President Pranab Mukherjee has already helped provide legitimacy to the RSS by visiting its headquarters at Nagpur to attend their programme and deliver a keynote address earlier this year.

The Congress leaders were at pains to defend Pranab Mukherjee's decision while the BJP leaders proudly showcased his visit as a major achievement and a proud moment for them.

The Congress had some saving grace as Pranab Mukherjee is not holding the highest constitutional post anymore and is not a Congressman.

Moreover, he is not even formally associated with the Congress. On getting nominated for the President's post, he quit Congress's political membership and party politics.

However, Rahul Gandhi, being the Congress president, will provide full legitimacy to the RSS on his part.

Once that happens, he will find himself at pains to attack the RSS with the same gusto which he has been doing so far.

Besides, will Rahul Gandhi have the courage to repeat his charges against the RSS about women, SCs and STs and Mahatma Gandhi?

If he does, the RSS will launch a counter-attack or a clarification there and then. If he does not, he will lose the moral right to raise the issues outside.

Whether to attend or not to attend RSS programme - it would be a tough call for Rahul Gandhi to take.