As RSS apex body meets, Manipur, Sandeshkhali, farmer protests top of mind; to skirt Kashi, Mathura rows

Amid a further worsening of thec crisis following the recent abduction of an Additional SP by the radical Meitei organisation Arambai Tenggol, a senior RSS leader said: “There are many unwanted elements that have entered the conflict. There is some trouble from across the border too. These elements have an interest in letting the violence continue. A way has to be found to bring the two communities to talk to each other and find a solution.”

Another issue high on the agenda are the incidents in Sandeshkhali, which have put the ruling TMC on the defensive as its strongmen are accused of harassment of the local populace, including sexual. “This has been going on for a long time. Only now have the women mustered the courage to come out and speak. This will have far-reaching consequences for society, so it is a matter of great concern. Hopefully, more people will come out and speak now,” a source said.

With the BJP-ruled Haryana having cracked down on protesting farmers headed to Delhi, the RSS will take up the issue. Earlier, RSS farmer wing Bharatiya Kisan Sangh had criticised the protests for being “violent” and suggested that the government not engage with the farm leaders involved, who are seeking a legal guarantee for MSP. However, the Sangh has been in favour of remunerative prices for farmers’ produce based on input costs.

The potential for executing the UCC — which was recently implemented in Uttarakhand — across the country may also be discussed. The Sangh has earlier said that tribal communities, which are fearful of the UCC’s impact on their culture and way of life, be kept out of the purview of any such law. The Sangh has had a long-running campaign to establish a base among tribals and would not want any measure threatening that hold.

The RSS leader quoted above said: “India is very diverse. Apart from diversity at the level of communities, there is also regional diversity within a community. Thus, it is difficult to imagine a uniform law for the entire country. Every region will have to come up with a solution and best possible application of the UCC after wider consultation.”

On population control, which many see as infringement into personal laws, the Sangh is more inclined towards a policy than a punitive law, and holds the view that any legal recourse must be taken after wider discussion.

The ABPS will also discuss the idea of Swadeshi, with an emphasis on diffusing the focus from using only Indian products to embracing Indian languages and culture. “For example, the vulgar show of wealth during celebrations, especially weddings, were not a part of Indian culture, and should be discouraged,” a leader said, his remarks interestingly coming days after the Ambanis hosted international and national celebrities across various fields for grand pre-nuptial celebrations of son Anant.

Incidentally, neither the Gyanvapi mosque nor the Mathura Idgah — which are part of the BJP’s core agenda — are likely to figure in the discussions. “Our key matter of the Ram Temple is settled. These matters are now in court. Associate organisations may have different opinions and active association with the issue, but for the RSS, such matters are best left to courts,” the leader said, reiterating what RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said earlier.

The ABPS, which is likely to see over 1,500 in attendance, will discuss, among other things, the centenary celebrations of the RSS, which will commence on Vijaya Dashmi day in 2025. “Until now, the preparations focused on spreading the reach of the RSS, such as reaching every mandal in the country and having 1 lakh shakhas, but nothing was discussed on how the centenary would be celebrated. Suggestions on celebrations are likely to come up for discussions,” the leader said.

This year, the ABPS will also see elections, though sources said the top leadership is likely to be retained, given how close the 2024 Lok Sabha polls are. Assessment of progress on projects cleared at the last ABPS, and plans on how to expand the organisation further, would also be discussed.