Is RSS’s Narrative On Hindu Nationalism Being Derailed By Fringe Groups?

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is not comfortable with the idea of Hindutva groups trying a repeat of Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid episode everywhere in the country. On the backdrop of a series of petitions seeking surveys of mosques allegedly built on temples and the subsequent restraining order from the Supreme Court on lower courts, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has made clear his disapproval of the trend. The question is why?

Delivering a lecture in Pune recently, Bhagwat said after the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, some people feel that they can become leaders of Hindus by raking up such disputes. “This is not acceptable,” he said, adding, “Everyday, a new matter is being raised. This cannot continue. India needs to show that we can live together.” The RSS’s involvement in the Ayodhya movement was an exception, he said.

After an oral observation of former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on the acceptability of ascertainment of religious character of places of worship in 2022, there has been a number of cases where the lower judiciary admitted petitions and ordered surveys of mosques allegedly built on temples during the medieval era. These include the Ajmer Sharif dargah in Rajasthan, Gyanvapi Masjid in Varanasi, the Idgah in Mathura, the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal and the Teelewali Masjid in Lucknow among others. It has led to communal violence and polarisation. Worried at the trend, the Supreme Court recently halted all mosque surveys till it reviewed the Places of Worship Act of 1991.

The RSS should be happy that its Hindu rashtra agenda is moving in the logical direction. But, as Bhagwat’s remarks suggest, it isn’t. There are reasons for it. To begin with, it is wary of the rabid, uncontrollable fringe elements appropriating its broad Hindu nationalist agenda and converting it into a narrow sectarian project. This is neither healthy for the future of the country nor for Hinduism itself. It wanted the latter to be assertive, self-assured religion, but the fanatical elements are turning it into a vindictive and hateful one, bent on creating conflicts. These conflicts are directed not against other religions only, but against moderate Hindus as well.

The sangh, an umbrella organisation of several loosely affiliated groups, has been the face of the Hindu revivalist efforts in the country so far. It provides them a convergence point, but is not entirely in control of them. It commands a disciplined cadre of its own, which can be controlled, not so the fringe groups which operate on their own. It creates a genuine apprehension of losing grip over an assiduously built narrative of a new India with a shining global image. Bhagwat’s remark that India had lived in harmony for centuries and that it had to serve as a model of inclusivity to the world, highlights the point.

But can the RSS chief’s soft admonishment reverse or put in check the trend that has penetrated deep in the mass psyche? Not likely, particularly when politics rides on communal polarisation and weaponises hate. Unless the sangh takes control over the narrative once again and exerts pressure on these groups not much is going to change.

(By arrangements with Perspective Bytes)