RSS tones down Hindutva agenda

NAGPUR, OCT 19: In a significant development that is likely to have a wider impact on the national political scene, the Rashtriya Swayams...

NAGPUR, OCT 19: In a significant development that is likely to have a wider impact on the national political scene, the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh RSS seemed to have climbed down on its strident Hindutva agenda.

A clear indication about dilution of its agenda was given by RSS Sarsanghchalak Prof Rajendra Singh and Sarkaryawah H V Seshadri. Speaking before a congregation of khaki-clad Swayamsewaks8217; and city elites at the traditional Vijaydashmi rally, both avoided making any reference to the contentious issues like Ayodhya, abrogation of the Article 370 and the Uniform Civil Code. The speeches, which marked a departure from the past, were also devoid of references to Pak-sponsored terrorism and separatist movements in Jammu and Kashmir and in the North-East. The only major issue that figured in the address was swadeshi8217; movement. But there was only a passing reference to the issue that was dear to the RSS.

The controversy generated over the proposed visit of Pope John Paul II also found only a briefmention in Seshadri8217;s address. He said the Pope was welcome to visit India. But he should honour the Indian tradition of equal treatment to all religious faith, the RSS functionary added.

What was more surprising was a direct reference to the recent political developments leading to the installation of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance NDA Government at the Centre. Seshadri hailed the NDA8217;s victory emphatically saying that it was a kind of an upsurge of Hindu nationalism. He said the emergence of BJP at the centre stage of the national political arena indicated that the spirit of Hindu nationalism is striking the deepest chord of the people8217;s heart. He welcomed the support extended by varied groups like DMK, Janata Dal U, Trinamool Congress to the BJP-led Government and gave full credit to Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee for his deft handling and his capability to take them together as a harmonious team.

According to him, the BJP8217;s emergence at the centre stage of national politics ismainly because the party was inspired by Hindu nationalism8217;. The decision of varied groups, not adhering strictly to Hindu nationalism, to join the NDA showed that those talking of reviving the spirit of Hindu nationalism were no longer untouchables, he said.

The RSS functionary struck a note of caution while analysing the country8217;s economic problems. He referred to a recent survey by UNCTAD, which spoke of widening gap between the developed countries and the developing one like India. Offering a solution to ward off economic crisis being faced by India, Seshadri laid emphasis on development of small scale and tiny household industries and called for giving priority to development of villages.

Seshadri8217;s speech, in fact, marked yet another departure from the past. He has become the first Sarkaryawah to have delivered a speech at Vijayadashmi rally. In the RSS tradition, it is only the Sarsanghchalak, who addresses the gathering. Keeping with the tradition, Rajju Bhaiya made a brief speech calling for anew economic order and the need to shed foreign concepts like secularism.

Story continues below this ad

Noted computer scientist of international repute, Dr Vijay Bhatkar presided over the meet. He was confident that India would become a super power soon.

Raju Bhaiyya ill

NAGPUR: In his brief address to the RSS Dussehra rally here, Rajendra Singh said that due to ill-health8217; and the multiple8217; fractures sustained by him he could not undertake any travel this year and was unable to speak for long and that it was due to his ill-health that he though it fit for Sarkaryavah H V Seshadri to enlighten8217; the RSS volunteers.

RSS supporters said that it was for the first time in the history of the 74-year-old organisation that the RSS general secretary instead of its chief delivered the main speech at the foundation day rally. RSS was formed on Vijayadashimi day by Dr K B Hedgewar. It was also the first major policy statement of the RSS leadership after the BJP-led alliance assumed power at the Centre this month.