The sudden ‘U-turn’ of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat at a recent three-day RSS lecture series event in New Delhi has surprised one and all. Many political analysts believe that it is nothing but political posturing aimed at minimising the damage to the BJP ahead of 2019 general elections. People in socio-political corridors are busy in analysing and reading between the lines to find out the message that the RSS chief wanted to send across.
Speaking on the second day of the event, RSS chief said, “Hindu Rashtra does not mean it has no place for Muslims. The day it is said that Muslims are unwanted here, the concept of Hindutva will cease to exist.” Some may argue that if Muslims are not unwanted in the concept of Hindutva then what would be there socio-political status and their layer of citizenship which means first or second class citizenship. It may be an attempt to re-brand their philosophy of Hindutva, keeping in mind to expand its horizons and make it more acceptable by repackaging it with modern outlook and approach. If the RSS chief is really trying to redefine RSS to give modern shape on inclusive pattern from the traditional one then it would be a silver lining in the Indian history. But the big question: Is RSS on a defining mode to adapt to the changing atmosphere for an inclusive Hindutva?
Other opinions also doing rounds in political circles that by praising Congress the RSS may want to keep the BJP on toes. In the RSS scheme of things, if an individual or a group of individuals becomes larger than the party, it should be a worrying sign for the RSS and that is why RSS may be flexing muscles to regain its hold of the party like it had in the past. RSS has the history of reaching out to unwanted leaders Like JP Narayan in the past. If we analyse the present utterances in the light of such developments in the past then the recent statements appear to be simply a political posture keeping in mind political requirements ahead of 2019 general elections.
Prof Ram Puniyani, a social and human rights activist, while speaking to Radiance said, the speeches of Mohan Bhagwat are for electoral purpose and for winning credibility of borderline sections of society. At the core he has asserted India being a Hindu nation, and talked of Article 370, Uniform Civil Code, and Ram temple, which aim to intimidate the minorities. As long as Hindu nationalism is asserted by RSS combine, the problem remains, and just upholding the Constitution of India is a mere lip service. Recently in Chicago he has talked of wild dogs hunting the lion.
“There is no change in their stance about India being just of Hindus. To label all as Hindus is an assault on the self-perception of minorities, and their religion. He kept total mum on the abominable caste system, which is a part of Hinduism, he kept total quiet about the RSS propaganda against Gandhi that he appeased Muslims etc.,” said Puniyani.
Mohammad Sajjad, a professor at Department of History, AMU, told Radiance, it is political posturing. He has not said anything new. His statements are only to help Modi. It is a political stand and the recent statement made by RSS chief was aimed at those liberal voters who had voted for Narendra Modi for development and are now disenchanted and are believed to be deviating after a series of mob lynchings and violence. Statements are made to bring them back to be the BJP fold once again to strengthen the BJP.
“If the RSS really wants to reform then it has to transform within. If RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat really mean what he has said then the RSS should protest against lynching spree and ask for severe punishment for all those involved in lynching cases in various parts of India,” argued Sajjad.