The three day lecture series of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh which lasted till Wednesday has given a clear message of inclusivity to the Indian masses. The event titled ‘The Future of Bharat: An RSS Perspective’ is hosted by the RSS at New Delhi’s Vigyan Bhawan and had its highlight talks by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on the opening day. Mohan Bhagwat’s speech and the guest list of the event included many names which have surprised the Indian media and other leftist intellectuals from the country. The left seems to be baffled with the way in which the RSS chief so easily cleared the air around the ideology and perspective of RSS in the national context. They have also tried to grab this opportunity and showcase it as a probable rift between the BJP and the RSS. Mohan Bhagwat’s speech at the event and the many questions that followed his speech have made it clear that the RSS is adamant on its take on many issues for which it used to be presented in a negative light. This is being portrayed by the left dominated Indian media houses as an attempt to change the image of the organisation in India by its chief Mohan Bhagwat.
This is far away from the truth, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in fact has always maintained that Indian Muslims or people belonging to other religions in India are all Hindu in the context of the nation. RSS therefore was never anti-Muslim but has always been pro-Hindu, the definition of Hindu for the left was a much narrower one as compared to that of the RSS. It has always been the left which has viewed RSS ideology through its own lenses and thereafter termed it communal. Reservation for example has always been supported by the RSS in the country to bridge the gap between the have and the have nots of the society. RSS since the past has always had lenient views on giving the rights to all citizens irrespective of their sexual preferences, therefore when it welcomes the Supreme Court judgement on Article 377 there was no change in its approach but just a simple reaffirmation of what it has always stood up for.
The left dominated media houses are trying to portray the views put forward in the three day event by the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat as an indicator of split between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the organisation. There is nothing like that, RSS has always put India ahead of political motives, BJP is one party which has always approved of this stance as well. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and BJP are ideological and political wings which have the motive of making India a better place. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has rebuked and counselled the BJP countless times in the past and it will continue to do so in the future as well in the best interests of the nation. PM Modi led BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh are working towards the same goal to develop the country for each and every citizen of the nation. There is no reason for a rift between the two and the left will fail big time in pushing this narrative forward as well. BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh both have always been highly respectful of each others beliefs and processes. They have also been highly accommodative of each others views and any differences have been settled with conversations. There is no need for RSS to appease anyone, it is not a political organisation which has high ambitions to rise in politics. RSS has been outspoken about its beliefs and stand on various issues, with change in time the ideas and opinions might have changed a bit to become more inclusive, but it was never done to gain acceptance. Sangh is the backbone of this country and will continue to play that part for a long time in the future.
