The Indian parliament has adjourned in chaos after opposition MPs protested against what they say is the growing political influence of the Hindu nationalist organisation Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Opposition members chanted anti-government slogans in protest at a decision to allow civil servants in the states of Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh to join the RSS.

"Remove the RSS, save the country," the opposition deputies shouted.

Earlier, the opposition, led by Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi, held a sit-in in the parliament compound to protest against the RSS.

'Hidden agenda'

The opposition expressed fears that the RSS would penetrate all levels of government and the civil service.

"It is regrettable that they (BJP-led government) are pursuing the hidden agenda. We will fight to the last," Sonia Gandhi said.

The RSS has links with the Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and opponents allege that it influencess the government's political agenda.

Its critics say it is an umbrella organisation for Hindu extremists seeking to alter India's secular society.

The RSS says it is a social and cultural organisation and not a political one.

But the opposition accuses the organisation of promoting intolerance against Muslims and Christians - a charge the RSS denies.

Controversy

The RSS issue became even more controversial when Home Minister Lal Krishna Advani hinted earlier this month that the federal government would also consider allowing its workers to join the organisation.

However, Mr Vajpayee's announced last week that there was no move to lift the ban on federal civil servants joining a political organisation.