25

Dec

 Bhagwat calls for an inclusive society, but will they listen?

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A close-up of a person with glasses Description automatically generatedOn December 20, 2024, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat expressed concerns over escalating temple-mosque disputes, cautioning individuals against exploiting these issues to position themselves as "leaders of Hindus." His remarks, aimed at tempering rising communal tensions, have resonated widely. However, a pressing question arises: Are these words enough to make a difference?

Speaking at a lecture series on “India – The Vishwaguru,” Bhagwat emphasized India's historical harmony, urging the nation to present itself as a global model of coexistence. Highlighting the celebration of Christmas in Ramakrishna Mission as an example of India’s inclusivity, he stated, “We have lived in harmony for centuries. If we aim to offer this harmony to the world, we must practice it ourselves.” He criticized those stoking fresh disputes after the construction of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, stating that such behavior is “not acceptable.”

Without naming specific cases, Bhagwat indirectly addressed the growing trend of seeking surveys of mosques to uncover temples. He reminded his audience that modern India operates under the Constitution, where governance is determined by elected representatives, not by dominance or hegemony.

Despite Bhagwat’s conciliatory tone, contradictions within the broader Hindutva ecosystem undermine his message. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, shortly after Bhagwat’s remarks, declared, “Sanatan Dharma is the national religion of Bharat,” underscoring a more hardline stance. Such statements highlight the discord between the RSS chief’s vision of harmony and the rhetoric of leaders shaped by Hindutva politics.

 

Column at a Glance
On December 20, 2024, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed concerns about rising temple-mosque disputes in India, urging people not to exploit these issues for personal gain. Speaking at a lecture series titled “India – The Vishwaguru,” he emphasized India's historical harmony and the need to present a model of coexistence to the world. Bhagwat criticized those inciting conflict after the Ayodhya Ram Mandir's construction, reminding his audience that India operates under a constitutional framework.
Wednesday Wisdom
By Satish Misra
However, his conciliatory message faces challenges from within the Hindutva ecosystem. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's declaration of "Sanatan Dharma" as the national religion and criticism from RSS followers highlight the discord between Bhagwat's vision and hardline rhetoric. The RSS's declining influence and internal conflicts further complicate the situation. While Bhagwat's call for harmony is significant, the effectiveness of his message remains uncertain amid ongoing tensions and contradictions within the organization.

 

Further complicating matters, prominent RSS followers, such as journalist Pradeep Singh, openly criticized Bhagwat’s call for moderation. In a widely circulated video, Singh accused Bhagwat of "rubbing salt on Hindus’ wounds." This dissent underscores the internal challenges Bhagwat faces in steering the RSS narrative towards inclusivity.

The RSS’s influence, once rooted in its ideological guidance, has waned over the decades. This decline began when the BJP and its precursor, the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, first tasted political power in 1967. The erosion accelerated with the BJP’s ascent to national power in the mid-1990s, during which internal conflicts emerged. Notably, then-RSS chief K.S. Sudarshan found himself sidelined by BJP stalwarts Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L.K. Advani.

Narendra Modi’s tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister marked a turning point, as he asserted his independence from the RSS. Modi’s consolidation of power often relegated the Sangh to a secondary role, with loyalty within the organization reportedly swayed by political and financial influence.

Bhagwat’s latest appeal reflects a growing challenge to the RSS’s traditional authority over the Hindutva cause. The organization’s attempts to moderate its stance risk alienating both its hardline supporters and broader society. This dynamic mirrors the adage, “The revolution devours its children,” where movements, once successful, often face internal strife and self-destruction.

Mohan Bhagwat’s call for harmony is a significant step towards mending India's social fabric. However, the inconsistencies within the Hindutva ecosystem and the erosion of the RSS’s moral authority cast doubt on the efficacy of his message. Whether Bhagwat’s vision can translate into tangible change remains uncertain, as the rift between inclusive ideals and hardline practices continues to widen.

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