 |
|
The Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) annual meeting of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a prominent Hindu nationalist organization in India, concluded in Bengaluru, revealing the organization's stance on various pressing national issues. The meeting served as a platform for the RSS to articulate its views on matters ranging from language policy and delimitation to historical controversies and the treatment of Hindus in neighboring countries. While the RSS maintained a degree of distance from direct involvement in the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) internal affairs, the decisions and discussions at the ABPS meeting offer valuable insights into the Sangh's priorities and its potential influence on government policy. One of the key takeaways from the meeting was the RSS's nuanced approach to the ongoing debate surrounding language policy, particularly the three-language formula. With the BJP-led central government and the Tamil Nadu government, led by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), holding divergent views on the issue, the RSS sought to navigate the complexities by advocating for the use of mother tongue, regional language, and a career language, which could be English or any other language. This position reflects a desire to balance the promotion of regional languages with the need for individuals to acquire skills that enhance their career prospects. However, the RSS also expressed concerns about forces that it believes are challenging national unity by raising the North-South divide, particularly in relation to delimitation and language issues. This statement can be interpreted as a tacit critique of the DMK, which has been vocal in its opposition to what it perceives as the imposition of Hindi on Tamil Nadu. The RSS's stance on delimitation was similarly cautious. While Union Home Minister Amit Shah has stated that delimitation would be based on a pro-rata basis, the RSS general secretary, Dattatreya Hosabale, downplayed the issue by noting that there was no bill on it yet to comment upon. This suggests that the RSS is adopting a wait-and-see approach to the delimitation process, perhaps mindful of the potential political ramifications of any changes to the allocation of Lok Sabha seats. The meeting also addressed the controversy surrounding the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, with the RSS taking a decidedly critical line on the ruler. Hosabale argued that Aurangzeb was against "Bharat's ethos" and that the "invader mindset" that he represented remains a threat to the country. This statement reflects a broader trend within Hindu nationalist circles to demonize Muslim rulers from India's past, often portraying them as foreign invaders who sought to destroy Hindu culture and traditions. In contrast to its condemnation of Aurangzeb, the RSS celebrated his brother, Dara Shikoh, who is often depicted as a more tolerant and syncretic figure. This selective emphasis on certain historical figures serves to reinforce the RSS's narrative of Indian history, which tends to privilege Hindu perspectives and downplay the contributions of other communities. The RSS also passed a resolution expressing serious concern about atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, making a passing reference to attempts by "international forces" and the "deep state in America" to spread mistrust between India and its neighbors. While the specific nature of these alleged attempts was not elaborated upon, the resolution reflects the RSS's broader concern for the well-being of Hindus in neighboring countries and its commitment to protecting their rights. Notably, the RSS remained silent on the issue of the BJP's next president, with both Kumar and Hosabale denying any disagreement between the two organizations on the matter. This suggests that the RSS is keen to maintain a degree of distance from the BJP's internal decision-making processes, even though the two organizations share a close ideological alignment. The RSS's position on religious quotas was also reiterated at the meeting, with Hosabale stating that the Constitution does not allow religion-based reservations. This stance is consistent with the RSS's long-standing opposition to affirmative action policies that are based on religious identity, arguing that such policies violate the principle of equality before the law. In conclusion, the ABPS annual meeting of the RSS provided a platform for the organization to articulate its views on a range of important national issues. The RSS's nuanced approach to language policy and delimitation, its critical stance on Aurangzeb, its concern for Hindus in Bangladesh, and its opposition to religious quotas all reflect its broader ideological agenda and its commitment to shaping public discourse in India. While the RSS maintained a degree of distance from direct involvement in the BJP's internal affairs, its pronouncements at the ABPS meeting offer valuable insights into the organization's priorities and its potential influence on government policy.
The RSS's approach to the issues discussed reveals a consistent thread: the promotion of a Hindu-centric view of Indian identity and culture, often at the expense of other communities. This is particularly evident in the organization's stance on Aurangzeb, where a historical figure is demonized to reinforce a narrative of Hindu victimhood and Muslim aggression. While it is true that Aurangzeb's reign was marked by certain policies that were discriminatory towards Hindus, the RSS's portrayal of him as a purely malevolent figure ignores the complexities of his rule and the diverse perspectives of historians on his legacy. Similarly, the RSS's concern for Hindus in Bangladesh, while understandable in light of reports of persecution and discrimination, must be viewed in the context of the organization's broader agenda of promoting Hindu solidarity across national borders. This agenda has been criticized by some as being divisive and exclusionary, as it tends to prioritize the interests of Hindus over those of other religious communities. The RSS's nuanced approach to language policy and delimitation can be seen as an attempt to balance the promotion of Hindu interests with the need to maintain social harmony and national unity. By advocating for the use of mother tongue, regional language, and a career language, the RSS is seeking to appeal to a broad range of constituencies, while also subtly promoting the importance of Hindi as a national language. Similarly, its cautious stance on delimitation reflects a recognition of the potential political ramifications of any changes to the allocation of Lok Sabha seats, particularly in the southern states. The RSS's emphasis on national unity and its critique of forces that it believes are challenging it reflect a deep-seated concern about the fragmentation of Indian society along regional, linguistic, and religious lines. This concern is rooted in the RSS's broader ideological project of creating a unified Hindu nation, which it believes is essential for India's strength and prosperity. However, this project has been criticized by some as being exclusionary and discriminatory towards religious minorities, who feel that their rights and interests are not adequately protected in a Hindu-dominated society. The RSS's silence on the issue of the BJP's next president is noteworthy, as it suggests that the organization is keen to maintain a degree of distance from the BJP's internal decision-making processes. This may be due to a desire to avoid being seen as interfering in the affairs of a political party, or it may reflect a deeper concern about the direction in which the BJP is headed. Whatever the reason, the RSS's silence on this issue underscores the complex relationship between the two organizations, which share a close ideological alignment but also maintain a degree of autonomy from one another. Overall, the ABPS annual meeting of the RSS provides a valuable window into the organization's priorities and its potential influence on government policy. While the RSS's pronouncements on various issues are often nuanced and carefully calibrated, they reflect a consistent commitment to promoting a Hindu-centric view of Indian identity and culture, which has significant implications for the country's social and political landscape.
The RSS's influence on Indian politics and society is undeniable. As a large and well-organized organization with a vast network of volunteers and affiliates, the RSS has the capacity to mobilize public opinion, influence electoral outcomes, and shape government policy. Its close relationship with the BJP, which has been in power at the center for the past decade, has further amplified its influence. While the RSS claims to be a non-political organization, its ideological agenda and its active involvement in social and cultural activities make it a significant player in Indian politics. The RSS's emphasis on Hindu nationalism and its advocacy for a strong and unified India resonate with a large segment of the population, particularly among those who feel that Hindu culture and traditions are under threat. However, its exclusionary and discriminatory rhetoric towards religious minorities has also alienated many people, who feel that their rights and interests are not adequately protected in a Hindu-dominated society. The RSS's role in promoting communal harmony and social cohesion is a subject of ongoing debate. While the organization claims to be committed to promoting unity and understanding among different communities, its critics argue that its Hindu nationalist ideology often fuels division and mistrust. The RSS's involvement in various social and cultural activities, such as running schools, hospitals, and charitable organizations, has also been a source of controversy. While these activities are often praised for their contribution to society, some critics argue that they are used to promote the RSS's ideological agenda and to recruit new members. The RSS's relationship with the media is also complex. While the organization has its own media outlets, it also seeks to influence the mainstream media through various means. Its critics accuse it of spreading misinformation and propaganda to promote its agenda, while its supporters argue that it is simply trying to present its views in a fair and accurate manner. The RSS's future role in Indian politics and society remains to be seen. As India continues to grapple with various challenges, such as poverty, inequality, and social unrest, the RSS is likely to continue to play a significant role in shaping the country's future. Whether its influence will be positive or negative will depend on its ability to adapt to changing circumstances and to engage in constructive dialogue with other communities and stakeholders. The discussions and decisions at the ABPS annual meeting offer a glimpse into the RSS's thinking and its priorities for the coming year. By analyzing these pronouncements, we can gain a better understanding of the organization's agenda and its potential impact on Indian society. The RSS's enduring presence and influence underscore the need for ongoing critical analysis and engagement with its ideology and activities.
Source: 5 takeaways from RSS annual meeting: Aurangzeb row to choice of next BJP president