RSS joins chorus: NDA vikas theme song

On the concluding day of the meeting today, a clear thumbs-up was given to the Atal Behari Vajpayee Government. ‘‘The NDA Government should be given another chance at the Centre,’’ senior leader Madan Das Devi said categorically. ‘‘Their achievements have been commendable and a lot of work has been done in these last five years.’’

While criticism of the government, mixed with caution against the ad blitzkrieg, was quietly slipped into the addresses, the emphasis right through was on how to ensure that the NDA got its second chance in power. So while they asked voters to see through ‘‘the smokescreen of publicity’’, they also waxed eloquent on the strides the country had made.

In fact, the meeting opened with developmental achievements and goals. In his opening address, sarkaryavah Mohanrao Bhagwat listed out the achievements of the Government: ‘‘India’s status has continued to grow in the international arena this year also. Economic indicators project progress on the economic front. Pakistan was compelled to speak the language of dialogue. Bharat is emerging as a strong leader of South East Asian countries as well as the underdeveloped third-world countries. In the economic, political and even sports field, a new enthusiasm imbued with a will for victory is found.’’

Commenting on the difference, a worker said: ‘‘The Sangh realises that it has to change too.

This meet was an extension of the Nagpur meet two years ago where it was realised that since a lot of Muslim and Christian organisations were coming forward for dialogue, we would also have to talk in moderate voices. The way we see it, things have really progressed, on all fronts, including the Ram mandir issue.’’

So when they did speak on the Ram Mandir issue this time, it was on a less bitter note. ‘‘We are sure the issue will get sorted out in a couple of months,’’ said optimistic spokesperson Ram Madhav. Appreciating the initiatives taken by the Dalai Lama, Madhav added that though the Sangh had no timeframe in mind, it was hopeful that the dispute would be sorted out a few months after the Lok Sabha elections.

Bottom line, the RSS is happy. Happy with the Muslims, happy with the way things are going on the temple issue and happy that India is shining. So for the moment, they don’t want anything, just more of the above would do.