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The recent attack on Rangarajan, a liberal temple priest in Hyderabad, by the extremist right-wing group Rama Rajyam, has brought to light the dangerous ideology of this organization and its ambitions for India. The group, led by Veera Raghava Reddy, openly advocates for the overthrow of the Indian Constitution, the persecution of judges who issue rulings they disagree with, and the establishment of their own distorted version of 'Rama Rajya' across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Their methods involve the creation of private armies and the intimidation of those who oppose their vision. The arrest of Reddy and five others by the Telangana Police following the February 7th attack on Rangarajan highlights the seriousness of the threat posed by this organization and the urgent need to understand its motivations and goals.
Rama Rajyam’s ideology is deeply rooted in a selective and often distorted interpretation of Hindu scriptures, particularly the Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayana. Their website, registered in 2022, explicitly states their aim to establish a parallel administrative system based on these texts, a system that would effectively bypass and replace the existing constitutional framework of India. This ambition is clearly demonstrated in their plans for a hierarchical structure of rulers, ranging from village-level officials to a three-member ruling council at the top. This proposed system includes the collection of taxes by village rulers and the formation of a substantial army, further solidifying their intent to establish a separate, independent entity within the country. Reddy's self-identification as a member of Lord Rama's 'Ikshvaku' clan and his vow to reclaim land he believes belongs to his lineage and six sects of Hinduism underscores the organization’s deep-seated sense of historical grievance and entitlement.
The group's recruitment campaign, which aimed to enlist 5,000 members between September and December of last year, is particularly troubling. The remarkably low eligibility requirements – a Class 10 pass or fail and a ‘minimal understanding’ of the Bhagavata Ramayana – suggest a willingness to recruit individuals with little critical thinking or historical awareness. The promised salary of Rs 20,000, along with food and accommodation, acts as a further incentive, potentially attracting individuals who are economically vulnerable. The fact that the organization received a significant number of applications indicates a certain level of support for their cause, raising concerns about the scale and potential for growth of this extremist ideology. The renaming of several cities in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, reflecting the organization's attempts to impose their vision of history and identity, exemplifies their efforts to establish their influence and control.
The attack on Rangarajan is not an isolated incident. It serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence inherent in the group's ideology. The priest’s refusal to cooperate with Rama Rajyam’s mission is what led to the attack. This incident has sparked a significant political controversy, with the opposition BRS and BJP criticizing the Congress government for its handling of the law and order situation in Telangana. While the assault has been condemned across the political spectrum, the underlying issue remains: the threat posed by extremist organizations and the need for decisive action to counter their activities. The incident also brings to the forefront the vulnerability of individuals who challenge extremist ideologies. The question remains: how can the government and society as a whole effectively address the root causes of such extremism and prevent future attacks?
Reddy’s past activities further reveal his history of inflammatory rhetoric and legal challenges. His 2015 petition against the Telugu film 'Andhra Pori' highlights his penchant for leveraging legal systems to further his agenda, albeit unsuccessfully in that particular case. The broader context of the Rama Rajyam's activities, including their plans for a private army and their open calls to defy the Indian Constitution, underscore the serious threat they pose to the nation’s stability and democratic values. The government’s response to the attack and its ongoing efforts to investigate and address the activities of Rama Rajyam will be critical in determining the extent to which this organization can continue to operate and spread its extremist ideology.
Source: Constitution hatred, Rama Rajya vow: Decoding outfit that attacked Telangana seer