There has been widespread speculation in media and social media over the last few days whether differences have arisen between the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its ideological mentee, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), after the Lok Sabha elections. It is also speculated that the RSS is perhaps not happy with the working style of the BJP leadership and the Narendra Modi government.
There were two major developments that sparked these speculations. First, a critical article about the BJP was published in an English weekly immediately after the Lok Sabha poll results were out where the BJP’s performance remained short of expectations. This English weekly is often described as the mouthpiece of the Sangh. Second, a speech was given by Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat in Nagpur on June 10 in which he made certain remarks about the nature of electoral politics. These remarks were interpreted as a reprimand to the BJP.
It seems that due to lack of understanding about the working style of the RSS and with an intent to create confusion, a deliberate and well-planned narrative is being built up projecting that there is a power struggle between the RSS and the BJP. Let us look at some of the facts.
First, let us talk about the article published in the weekly. Two facts are important in this context. First, this weekly is not the mouthpiece of the Sangh. The Sangh has officially said many times that it does not have a mouthpiece. There are many publications who promote the ideology of the Sangh but none of them is a mouthpiece. Hence, the reports or editorials in these publications do not represent the official view of the Sangh.
Second, the official opinion of the Sangh is expressed only by the Sarsanghchalak and Sarkaryavah (General Secretary). Apart from this, sometimes the Sangh formally authorises some of its officials to talk to the media or to express their opinion publicly. The writer, editor or the publisher of this article in question do not fall in either these three categories. Therefore, it is not factually correct to consider this article as the viewpoint of the Sangh.
As far as the speech of the Sarsanghchalak is concerned, some analysts have termed his comments as a taunt on the BJP leadership, “The one who really serves do that with restrain and dignity. Everyone works but while working one needs to follow that restraint. And the one who while working also remains detached, dignified and restrained, doesn’t become arrogant. He is the one who deserves to be called ‘Sevak’.”
Those who were trying to create controversy from this statement, ignored the fact that Bhagwat also said a few more things along with this comment, which gives the right context. He said, “It came to my mind that there is no other way but this is best and simplest way to tell how the Sangh works.” Bhagwat clearly said citing examples that he was explaining the attitude of the Sangh through his remarks.
Bhagwat further added, “If we keep getting entangled in these things, the work will remain incomplete.” He was making these remarks at the valedictory ceremony of an RSS training camp in Nagpur that was attended by swayamsevaks (RSS volunteers) and dignitaries from various walks of life. It is clear that what he meant was to caution the volunteers of the Sangh about remaining focused on their work while also explaining to dignitaries how the RSS functions. His remarks when looked at in this context do not seem to be aimed at either the BJP or at any individual leader. These remarks were taken out of context and misinterpreted in an attempt to create ‘friction’ where none exists.
In the same speech, Bhagwat talked about the changing nature of Indian politics in context of recently held LokSabha polls. Is it not true that common citizens of the country are feeling that the level of debate amongst the political parties has hit rock bottom? This concern was reflected in Bhagwat’s speech.
It is a well-known fact that ‘deep fake’ videos of BJP and Sangh officials were made and posted on social media during elections. During the election campaign, a web of lies was woven for political gain that the BJP would change the Constitution and end reservation. After the election, we saw women queuing up at Congress offices across the country to get Rs 8,500 per month to every poor family that was promised by Congress during the poll campaign.
This revealed the extent of false promises and blatant lies used by the Opposition in Lok Sabha polls to get a few more votes and to stop the BJP from coming to power. It is a matter of serious concern and has long-term repercussions for Indian democracy. Some of these issues were flagged in Bhagwat’s same speech.
The Sarsanghchalak said that during the election campaign, there was an attempt to spread false propaganda in the name of the Sangh. This was done by misusing technology, which is a matter of concern. In this context, he rightly cautioned that we need to do some course correction in our polity.
Bhagwat, referring to rivalry among political parties, said, “This is competition, not a war among ourselves. The way these things were said, the way each other was reprimanded, if we do this during the campaign, it will increase discord in the society, society will be divided into two groups, doubts and suspicions will arise among us. This was also not taken into account. Organisations like the Sangh were also dragged into it without any reason. False propaganda was spread with the help of technology. Absolutely false. Is this how we should use science (and) knowledge? Good people do not misuse knowledge like this.”
In fact, the Sarsanghchalak’s speech indicated that we need a holistic reform in our political culture and all political parties should work together for this. He said, “A lot of good has happened in the last ten years… but this does not mean that we are free from challenges.” The clear message of the Sarsanghchalak was that the mission to take India forward on the path of development should not become a victim of political rivalry and it is time to build on the foundation laid down by the Modi government during the last 10 years.
The writer is an author and columnist and has written several books. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.
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