Attacking the United Progressive Alliance government for sacking four governors appointed during his tenure, former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee said Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil should either deny that they had been removed because of their association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh or 'apologise' to the RSS for using it as a reason.

Speaking to reporters on his arrival in Lucknow, he termed the sacking of the governors as a "big blow to democracy".

"The reasons [of the governors' association with the RSS] cited [for their removal] have not been denied so far," Vajpayee said. "It has been said that they had been dismissed because of their association with RSS."

"If this is wrong, the home minister should deny it or apologise to the RSS," the former prime minister said.

He said that government could have differences with the views of the RSS but asserted that it was untenable that people associated with the Sangh could not perform a constitutional duty or hold a constitutional post.

Vajpayee pointed out that governors are appointed for a period of five years and have to complete their term unless some they commit some "impropriety".