On Thursday, Congress marked the centenary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) by referencing a book that claims Mahatma Gandhi described the organization as a “communal body with a totalitarian outlook.” This statement, made by Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, has reignited discussions about Gandhi’s perspective on the RSS and its implications in contemporary politics.
Ramesh highlighted how Pyarelal, a close aide to Gandhi for nearly three decades, documented this crucial conversation in his book, Mahatma Gandhi: The Last Phase. The first volume of this work appeared in 1956, while the second volume followed two years later. Ramesh stated that it contains an important note on September 12, 1947, where Gandhi openly critiques the ideology of the RSS.
“On page 440 of the second volume, Pyarelal writes of a conversation between Mahatma Gandhi and one of his colleagues in which the Father of the Nation describes the RSS as a ‘communal body with a totalitarian outlook’,” Ramesh noted. The discussion revolved around the period following Independence, when concerns regarding communal tensions began to surface.
Ramesh underscored that this conversation had significant weight, considering it occurred shortly before then Union Home Minister Sardar Patel banned the RS, raising questions about the RSS’s influence in the aftermath of Gandhi’s assassination.
The Congress leader amplified his argument by referencing an earlier statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised the RSS for its role in nation-building during a recent event. Ramesh retorted by reminding the Prime Minister of Patel’s warnings, suggesting that the RSS fostered an atmosphere that contributed to Gandhi’s tragic death.
“The PM has spoken much about the RSS this morning. Is he aware of what Sardar Patel wrote to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on July 18, 1948?” Ramesh inquired, further bolstering his stance with extracts from Patel’s correspondence.
In the letter, Patel remarked on the potential involvements of the RSS and the Hindu Mahasabha in Gandhi’s assassination, although he clarified that the case was still sub-judice. He observed the troubling atmosphere created by the activities of these organizations, particularly the RSS, emphasizing their perceived threats to the government.
“The activities of the RSS constituted a clear threat to the existence of the government and the State. Our reports show that those activities, despite the ban, have not died down,” Patel warned, signalling the tension between the government and the RSS during that volatile period.
In a subsequent post, Ramesh referenced Patel’s address to a large audience in Jaipur in December 1948, where he articulated his concerns about the RSS forcefully. This reinforcement of historical context adds a layer of gravity to current debates about the role and ideologies of the RSS.
The response from Congress sparks a renewed emphasis on the intersections of history and contemporary politics. It adds to the ongoing discourse on the RSS’s influence and the narratives that shape India’s political landscape today.
The centenary celebrations of the RSS on Wednesday drew attention as PM Modi spoke highly of the organization’s contributions, declaring that it never fostered animosity despite facing criticisms and challenges over the years. His remarks positioned the RSS as essential to the nation’s progress, countering claims made by opposition leaders.
As India engages in this ongoing discussion regarding Gandhi’s legacy and the RSS’s role, the exchange between Congress and the BJP raises pertinent questions about historical interpretation and its implications in today’s socio-political context. The debates emerging from this event underscore the necessity for continued examination of India’s diverse and often polarized viewpoints.
