RSS Flexes Its Muscles: A Rap on the Knuckles for PM Modi
Mohan Bhagwat occasionally makes politically sensitive remarks, but the timing and content of his latest comments, coming just a day after Narendra Modi was sworn in, did not go unnoticed by observers
Background and Context
The RSS has always been regarded as the mothership of the BJP, providing it with its ideological moorings. This relationship, however, came under scrutiny in mid-May 2024 during the peak of the Lok Sabha election campaign. BJP National President JP Nadda stated that under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, the BJP had grown capable enough not to need the support of the RSS. This assertion might have been perceived as offensive by its broader cadre, yet the RSS chose not to respond at the time.
Mohan Bhagwat's Politically Charged Remarks
The RSS is normally quite sparse in coming out with tweets on its official Twitter handle. However, today (10th June), in the context of its valedictory function at Nagpur to increase membership, it released a series of tweets culled from the speech of the RSS Chief, Mohan Bhagwat, officially referred to as Sarsanghchalak (सरसंघचालक).
It is not as if Mohan Bhagwat does not come out with politically sensitive remarks or speeches, but the timing and content, coming a day after PM Narendra Modi was sworn in as the Prime Minister of India for the third successive time, was not lost on political observers.
Let us have a look at some of his most contentious remarks, as taken from the RSS Twitter handle (original Hindi version in footnotes), duly translated by us with the aid of Google.
Mohan Bhagwat's Remarks
1. Prioritising Peace in Manipur
In the aforesaid context, the recent remarks about Manipur by RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat cannot be ignored. Speaking at RSS’s public function in Nagpur, Bhagwat emphasised the need to prioritise peace in Manipur, stating, "Manipur has been waiting for peace for a year. It must be considered as a priority." This statement (video clip), made in clear and categorical terms, contrasts with the typically cryptic remarks Bhagwat is known for, signalling a direct critique of the Modi 2.0 Government's handling of the Manipur crisis1.
2. The Nature of Elections in a Democracy
Bhagwat further highlighted the essential nature of elections in a democracy, noting, "Elections are an event that occurs every five years in a democracy. We continuously fulfil our duty of refining public opinion. We do it every year, in every election, and we have done it this time as well." This underscores the ongoing responsibility of leaders to address public concerns and maintain democratic values (video clip).
3. Political Discourse and Campaign Conduct
He also addressed the nature of political discourse, saying, "The way in which people abuse each other, misuse technology, and spread falsehoods during election campaigns is not right. Instead of saying 'opposition', we should say 'alternative'." This comment undoubtedly criticises the current state of belligerent and divisive political campaigns and calls for a more respectful and constructive approach2.
4. Focusing Beyond Electoral Politics
Finally, Bhagwat called for a focus on national issues beyond electoral politics: "We need to free ourselves from the excitement of elections and think about the problems facing the country." This remark (video clip) stresses the importance of addressing the nation's pressing issues over partisan politics3.
The Situation in Manipur
Manipur, a northeastern Indian state, has long grappled with ethnic tensions between the majority Meitei community and tribal groups like the Kuki and Naga. The conflict, driven by disputes over land rights, political power, and the Meitei's demand for Scheduled Tribe status, escalated on May 3, 2023, when Kuki groups protested this demand. The violence has resulted in over 200 deaths, displaced 60,000 people, and destroyed hundreds of buildings. Despite a heavy security presence, sporadic clashes continue, and thousands remain in poor conditions in relief camps.
PM Modi's Absence
Despite the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not visited the state since the violence began in May 2023. Over the past year, PM Modi made 162 official and non-official visits to various other states in India and 14 official visits abroad, yet none to Manipur. When the violence erupted, he was busy campaigning for assembly elections in Karnataka. Even during his visits to the northeastern states of Assam, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh in early 2024, he did not visit Manipur. The opposition Congress party has criticised PM Modi's absence and questioned the government's efforts to bring peace to the region.
Implications for BJP-RSS Relations
Bhagwat's comments in general, not merely qua Manipur, are seen as more than just a mild rebuke. They represent the RSS's intention to reassert its influence within the the politics of the BJP and, by extension, the policies and priorities of the Modi 3.0 government. This may not be the first salvo from the RSS, highlighting the need for more active leadership and intervention to resolve the ongoing conflict in Manipur but it cannot but be regarded as rap on the knuckles. PM Modi, who relies on two allies to ensure a majority in the Lok Sabha, will now have to address the concerns of the RSS.
Future Prospects
Whether this situation grows into a stronger tussle or is resolved quietly behind closed doors through trusted interlocutors or intermediaries remains to be seen. However, it is clear that the RSS intends to reassert itself in the political space, so as to ensure that it is not relegated to a mere cultural and social-service organisation. As the BJP navigates this internal dynamic, the resolution of the Manipur crisis remains a critical issue that will test the party's leadership and governance capabilities, in the broader context of managing its allies and countering the onslaughts of a resurgent opposition.
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एक साल से मणिपुर शांति की राह देख रहा है। इससे पहले 10 साल शांत रहा। पुराना गन कल्चर समाप्त हो गया, ऐसा लगा। और अचानक जो कलह वहां पर उपजा या उपजाया गया, उसकी आग में अभी तक जल रहा है, त्राहि-त्राहि कर रहा है। इस पर कौन ध्यान देगा? प्राथमिकता देकर उसका विचार करना यह कर्तव्य है। - मोहनजी भागवत)
* चुनाव सहमति बनाने की प्रक्रिया है। सहचित्त संसद में किसी भी प्रश्न के दोनों पहलू सामने आये इसलिए ऐसी व्यवस्था है।
* चुनाव प्रचार में जिस प्रकार एक दूसरे को लताड़ना, तकनीकी का दुरुपयोग, असत्य प्रसारित करना ठीक नहीं। विरोधी की जगह प्रतिपक्ष कहना चाहिए।
* चुनाव के आवेश से मुक्त होकर देश के सामने उपस्थित समस्याओं पर विचार करना होगा। - डॉ मोहन भागवत, सरसंघचालक, राष्ट्रीय स्वयंसेवक संघ
चुनाव लोकतंत्र में प्रति पांच वर्ष होने वाली घटना है। हम अपना कर्तव्य करते रहते हैं लोकमत परिष्कार का। प्रतिवर्ष करते हैं, प्रति चुनाव में करते हैं, इस बार भी किया है। - सरसंघचालक