Page 18 - 15OCT2018E

CoverStory IDEOLOGY

arlier perceived to be the rightwing ideol- major reason for tension between Hindus and
ogy outfit, the Rashtriya Swamaysewak Muslims, and if the temple is built in a harmonious
Sangh (RSS) is seriously trying to dispel the way, then there will be no more pointing of fingers
E notion that it is anti-minorities. This is the at Muslims,” he said on the final day of the RSS’s
impression one could gather after the three day three-day lectures series.
long conclave “Future of Bharat:An RSS Perspec- This is matter to “strengthen unity” and culture
tive”. The observations by RSS chief Mohan Bhag- of the country, it is an issue of faith for crores of
wat that all religions are equal and a clear message people of the country, he said while supporting
to cow vigilantism that “there should be no vio-
lence in the name of cow” clearly indicate that RSS
is now pushing for inclusivity and Hindutva for all.
At the outset, Bhagwat said, “Listen to me, though Bhagwat’s remarks
you may disagree with me. We don’t force anyone
to follow RSS ideology, nor do we want to convince on an array of issues,
anyone”. The RSS is being still grossly misunder-
stood. His observation that the Congress party gave including the role of
to the country great leaders and its role during
Independence came as a surprise. From the state-
ment one can infer that RSS chief does not advo- the Congress during
cate the theory of “Congress-mukt Bharat”.
Bhagwat’s assertion that Hindu Rashtra “does the freedom movement,
not mean there is no place for Muslims” and that
Hindutva would cease to exist if “Muslims are communal politics,
unwanted” may prove to be a turning point for
RSS and its vision for a Hindu Rashtra. Opposition uniform civil code,
parties like the CPI(M), meanwhile, claimed that
Bhagwat was “merely reiterating RSS’s long-held reservations and
position that asserts India to be a Hindu Rastra and
not a secular nation as stated by the Constitution
and envisioned by our freedom movement.” lynchings are apparently
Bhagwat has signalled RSS’s acceptance of the
Indian Constitution including secularism. He aimed at sending a
made it clear that Hindutva means kutumb or a
family and it would include all living beings in this message about its
country. The conclave ahead of the 2019 general
election makes an attempt to convey the message ‘inclusive’ intent. Bhagwat seems to
of ‘the world as one family’. The way forward could be on mission to
reinvent RSS
be repositioning the RSS ideology to more modern
21st century and to carve out a distinct identity.
FIRM ON RAM TEMPLE a dialogue on the issue but said the final decision to Jammu and Kashmir. While Article 370 deals Keeping all these factors, there should be efforts
Bhagwat made a categorical statement that Ram is with Ram Mandir Samiti which is spearhead- with autonomy of the State, Article 35-A allows towards a consensus in society for any code…but
temple should be built at the Ram Janmabhoomi ing the movement for construction of a temple. A the State Assembly to define permanent in its implementation, there cannot be different
in Ayodhya at earliest. He said that if this happens, Supreme Court verdict is expected to come soon residents of the state. However, Bhagwat pitched groups in society,” he added.
discrimination with Muslims will be reduced. before the current Chief Justice of India Dipak for greater development of the State, saying it Bhagwat reiterated that Indians are Hindus
Describing Lord Ram as Imam-e-Hind, Bhagwat Misra demits office on October 2. Bhagwat said was essential to bring its people into the by identity and Hindutva is all about unity and
said he may not be a God for some people of the that it is prerogative of the government whether mainstream. inclusion. “The RSS is trying to unite all Hindus and
country, but he is an idol of Indian values for peo- to bring an ordinance on the construction of On the issue of common civil code, Bhagwat said Hindutva is the balance between all religions,” he
ple from all sections of the society. “As a Sangh Ram temple. that the society has many groups and it should be said. “No one is an outsider in India. Hindutva is
worker, head of the sangh and as a part of Ram kept in mind while implementing the code. “When different from Hinduism. Hindutva is about unity
janambhoomi andaloan, I want that a grand Ram ARTICLE 370 AND 35A it is discussed, it is framed as a Hindu-Muslim of all who live in India,” Bhagwat said, adding that
temple should be constructed at the earliest at the He presented Sangh’s views on a number of issue. But it is not limited to that. (A uniform code) the world is accepting Hindutva more and more
birth place (Ayodhya) of Lord Ram,” he said. contentious issues without mincing words. will alter practices of everyone, including of these days. However, in India, there is aggression
“It should have happened by now. The construc- According to him, the RSS does not accept Hindus. Tribals have their own laws. Keeping in towards Hindutva because of a lack of understand-
tion of a grand Ram temple will help in ending a Article 370 and 35A of the Constitution related mind this diversity, the Constitution allows this… ing of what Hindutva stands for.

TEHELKA / 15 OCTOBER 2018 18 WWW.TEHELKA.COM TEHELKA / 15 OCTOBER 2018 19 WWW.TEHELKA.COM

16-23 19th CStory.indd 4 9/28/2018 5:22:35 PM 16-23 19th CStory.indd 5 9/28/2018 5:22:46 PM