As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) celebrates its centenary, the Congress party has invoked Mahatma Gandhi’s words, claiming that he once described the organization as a “communal body with a totalitarian outlook.” This assertion comes from excerpts in a book by Gandhi’s close aide, Pyarelal.
In a statement on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh emphasized that Pyarelal, who served as Gandhi’s personal secretary for almost thirty years, documented key conversations and events in his works on the Mahatma. His book, “Mahatma Gandhi: The Last Phase,” first published in 1956, has become a crucial resource for understanding Gandhi’s ideology and thoughts.
Ramesh noted that in the second volume, published in 1958, there is a detailed account of a conversation between Gandhi and one of his contemporaries regarding the RSS. “On page 440 of that volume, Pyarelal records Gandhi’s characterisation of the RSS as a ‘communal body with a totalitarian outlook’ during a conversation dated September 12, 1947,” Ramesh stated. This dialogue occurs just a few months after India gained independence.
The timing of this revelation is significant, as then Union home minister Sardar Patel banned the RSS only five months later. Ramesh highlighted Patel’s concerns about the environment created by the RSS, which he believed contributed to an atmosphere that enabled the assassination of Gandhi.
Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent praise of the RSS for its contributions to nation-building, Ramesh reminded the Prime Minister of Patel’s grave warnings. Ramesh questioned whether Modi acknowledged that Patel had informed Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee in 1948 about the potential threats posed by the RSS to India’s democracy.
In a letter written on July 18, 1948, Patel remarked, “As regards the RSS and the Hindu Mahasabha, the case relating to Gandhi ji’s murder is sub-judice… our reports do confirm that as a result of the activities of these two bodies, particularly the former, an atmosphere was created in which such a ghastly tragedy became possible…”
Patel also pointed out that the activities of the RSS represented a significant threat to the state, indicating that these activities persisted even after the organization faced a ban.
As the RSS commemorated its centenary, PM Modi emphasized the organization’s resilience and commitment to national progress despite historical challenges. Addressing a large gathering, he praised the RSS for its unwavering dedication to nation-first principles.
This dialogue continues to evoke strong sentiments in the political landscape, with both parties drawing on historical narratives to solidify their current stands. The Congress aims to remind the public of historical critiques of the RSS, juxtaposed with Modi’s recent acknowledgments of the organization’s contributions.
The Congress party’s reference to Gandhi highlights the ongoing debate about the ideological underpinnings of the RSS and its role in modern India. As political leaders mobilize historical references, the impact of these discussions resonates within the country, engaging citizens and encouraging them to reflect on the ideological paths that shape contemporary governance.
With both historical and contemporary narratives at play, political analysts believe this exchange between the Congress and the RSS will continue to influence public sentiment as the nation engages with its past while forging its future.
As events surrounding the RSS centenary unfold, many stakeholders watch closely, aware that history forms the backdrop for the unfolding political drama in India.
