Motives Behind RSS Chief’s Remarks on Communal Harmony Questioned

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Mohan Bhagwat’s comments ignite strong reactions from political leaders and Muslim intellectuals

Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India

NEW DELHI – Political leaders and Muslim intellectuals have questioned the motives behind RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent harping on the issue of communal harmony and his criticism of the bitter campaigning by both the ruling party and the opposition in the recent general election.

Bhagwat’s rare public comments on politics came a day after the National Democratic Alliance government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was sworn in on June 9. Bhagwat’s comments are being viewed in some circles as a jibe at the vitriolic poll campaign by Modi and several top leaders of his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Addressing an organisational gathering in the RSS headquarters of Nagpur, Bhagwat touched upon several contentious issues, including the situation in Manipur, the conduct of political parties during the recent elections, and the inflammatory rhetoric during the campaign.

Bhagwat’s remarks, particularly those concerning religious harmony and political decorum, have provoked strong reactions from Muslim intellectuals across the country.

In his address, Bhagwat commented on the changed atmosphere post-Lok Sabha elections and the formation of the new government. He emphasised that the RSS does not analyse election results, stating, “People have given their mandate, and everything will proceed accordingly.”

Muslim leaders and intellectuals have expressed varied perspectives on Bhagwat’s statements, with many considering them as tactical rather than sincere.

Muhammad Sulaiman, president of the Indian National League, expressed scepticism. “Mohan Bhagwat is a pulse reader. He understands the psyche of Indians and adjusts accordingly. His statement aims to mend the damage to Hindutva caused by Modi’s failure to uphold raj dharma. This is not out of sympathy for anyone. We cannot welcome his statement because we know these people are fascists, and we need to understand the intentions behind such remarks,” he told Clarion India.

Dr. Taslim Rahmani, president of the Muslim Political Council of India, suggested that internal conflicts in the RSS and BJP have influenced Bhagwat’s statement. “It reflects the tussle between RSS and BJP. An ideological institution like the RSS cannot tolerate a person of such stature as Modi for long. Bhagwat’s remarks target Modi’s arrogance and his handling of the Manipur violence,” Rahmani stated.

On a more optimistic note, Dr. Syed Ahmad Khan, general secretary of the United Muslim India, acknowledged the constructive tone of Bhagwat’s speech. “Given the poisonous rhetoric against Muslims during the election, this statement is commendable. It’s surprising but reflects a realisation that Indians do not favour hate speech or divisive politics. This positive approach from the RSS, after a long time, is noteworthy,” he commented.

Bhagwat’s remarks come at a time of heightened communal tension in India. The violence in Manipur and the polarising rhetoric during the elections have raised concerns about the country’s social cohesion. His call for peace and respect for opposition voices, therefore, carries significant weight.

Despite this, the reactions from Muslim intellectuals underscore a deep-seated mistrust towards Bhagwat and the RSS. Many see his words as a strategic move rather than a genuine shift in ideology, given the RSS’s historical stance and actions, which they view as contrary to the secular and inclusive principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

The Congress hit out at the RSS, saying the Modi government had made it “irrelevant” and that the Constitution, society and democracy don’t need the RSS and its leader Mohan Bhagwat.

Congress’ media and publicity head Pawan Khera said: “Mohan Bhagwat Ji, you reap what you sow. The fault is not of the soil, the fault is of the gardener.

“When farmers were facing the wrath of the weather and police just outside the capital, you were silent. When a Dalit girl was raped and murdered in Hathras, you were silent. When the rapists of Bilkis Bano were released and your ideological brothers welcomed them, you were silent. When Dalits were being urinated upon, you were silent. When Pehlu Khan and Akhlaq were killed, you were silent. When Kanhaiya Lal’s killers’ links with the BJP were exposed, you were silent,” Khera said of Bhagwat on Wednesday.

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal took a jibe at Modi, saying it is “not in the DNA” of the PM to listen to the advice of the opposition but he should heed the words of the RSS chief.

“We raised concern about Manipur, Bhagwat Ji has also said it now. You don’t listen to us because you are not used to listening to us, but listen to him. It is not in your DNA to listen to us. Manipur should be given priority. I had asked for the removal of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, but you could not remove the former wrestling body chief. What will you do about the chief minister?” Sibal said.

When asked about Bhagwat’s remark, Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction leader Supriya Sule expressed concerns about the violence in Manipur.

“We have been questioning the government over the Manipur issue for months. A lot of discussions took place in the Parliament over the Manipur situation. Manipur is an integral part of the country. The people, women, children there are Indians,” Sule was quoted as saying by some media outlets.

While Bhagwat’s speech has sparked debate, it also presents an opportunity for introspection and dialogue. The mixed reactions highlight the necessity for consistent actions that align with the values of unity and mutual respect. For many, the true test will be whether these statements translate into tangible changes in policy and public discourse.

In a nation as diverse as India, the role of leaders in fostering harmony and understanding is crucial. Bhagwat’s remarks, regardless of the varied interpretations, have brought to the forefront the ongoing struggle for communal harmony and the importance of upholding democratic values.

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