Fear of the Lathi !

School-going children are often told that the use of a cane (meaning, adequate punishment) speeds up the process of obtaining knowledge. In earlier times, teachers were free to use the cane; however, today, before raising a cane, teachers have to think ten times. The reason is opposition from the parents. Teachers know when to actually use the cane and when only to use it to instil fear. The Congress Party, for many years, has been under the constant fear of a typical lathi (Cane) and the organisation that wields it. And hence, Congress keeps trying to impose a ban on this organisation.

The organisation – Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The Congress Governments have banned it three times, and every time, the ban has been lifted. Yet, the Congress is unsatisfied. Whenever the Congress needs the votes of Muslims and the so-called progressives, or if it wishes to display hatred towards Hindus, it criticises the RSS or attempts to impose a ban on it.

Now, Priyank Kharge, the son of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and a Minister in the Karnataka Congress Government, has demanded a ban on the RSS shakhas (Branches) organised in public places. After this, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he would investigate the matter and take an appropriate decision.

According to Priyank Kharge, the training in self-defence techniques taught in the RSS shakhas and the lathi used there create fear in society. Since this affects the mental health of the children, youth, and society in the State, a ban should be imposed on the shakhas held in public places. It is worth noting that his demand does not include shakhas held in private halls.

When he says that the demonstrations of the RSS instil fear, it is clear which section of the society fears it. It is definitely not the common people, but the anti-nationals, fanatics, and Hindu-haters. The RSS lathi has always fallen on such elements, which is why they have always feared it and continuously attempt to malign the RSS. To please such people, the Congress has raised this demand for a ban.

After all the anti-Hindu decisions taken by the Congress Government since it came to power, Hindus in the State must introspect if they now regret bringing the Congress to power. The BJP too should reflect on this. Due to the BJP’s corrupt governance in Karnataka, the people ousted it and brought back the Congress. Yet, in both cases, it is the Hindus alone who are the sufferers.

Interestingly, from Nehru to Rajiv Gandhi, the Congress leaders have praised the RSS and even sought its assistance. This contradiction must be noted.

The Congress itself praised the RSS

During the Indo-China war in 1962, at Nehru’s request, the RSS immediately sent thousands of Swayamsevaks (Volunteers) to the border regions for civil defence, transport, food distribution, discipline, and service to refugees. Nehru had then acknowledged, “The work of the RSS is excellent and patriotic,” and in 1963 formally invited the RSS to participate in the Republic Day parade. The RSS Swayamsevaks participated in that parade and the event is recorded in official archives.

Though Nehru did not agree with the RSS ideology, he appreciated its efficiency and organisational discipline. After the Indo-Pakistan war of 1965, many Swayamsevaks received commendation certificates from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Due to the RSS’ contribution during those difficult times, several Congress Chief Ministers of that period publicly praised its work.

During the Indo-Pakistan war in 1971, when Indira Gandhi was Prime Minister, RSS Swayamsevaks served refugees, organised blood donation camps, and worked in border regions. She thanked the RSS for its service to the Nation. In 1980, in a private conversation, she acknowledged the discipline and selfless attitude of the RSS Swayamsevaks.

In 1986, under Rajiv Gandhi’s Government, the doors of the Shriram Janmabhoomi were opened, and permission was granted to telecast the ‘Ramayan’ Serial on Doordarshan, the Government TV channel. Around that period, Rajiv Gandhi had remarked that cultural consciousness is the force that binds the Nation, thus aligning with the RSS’ idea of cultural nationalism.

Criticism by the Congress

The Congress has always accused the RSS of promoting religious division by propagating the concept of the ‘Hindu Rashtra’. It claims that the RSS’ pro-Hindu ideology frightens the minorities. However, the Congress never feels that Hindus themselves live in fear because of these very minorities, especially Muslims.

After the assassination of Mohandas Gandhi, the same Congress oversaw the killing of thousands of Brahmins and caused immense financial loss to them. After the assassination of Indira Gandhi, the Congress leaders oversaw the killing of 3,500 Sikhs.

During Indira Gandhi’s time as Prime Minister, the Police fired on the march led by Param Pujya Karpatri Maharaj, who was demanding a ban on cow-slaughter; in the firing, numerous Saints and Ascetics were killed.

When Hindus were massacred and forced to flee from Kashmir, the Congress never felt any remorse.

Yet, the very Congress feels no shame in accusing the RSS. It claims that though the RSS calls itself a social organisation, its indirect political influence (earlier over the Jan Sangh and later the BJP) keeps growing.

After Mohandas Gandhi’s assassination, the Congress accused the RSS of spreading hatred and imposed the first ban on it. Some Congress leaders allege that the RSS incites anti-Congress public sentiment and challenges its political control. This is the actual reason why they say the RSS is undemocratic.

The whole world knows how democratic the Congress is. Countless opposition-led State Governments have been dismissed by the Congress through undemocratic means. Such a Congress has no moral right to call the RSS undemocratic.

Now it remains to be seen what decision the Congress Government in Karnataka will take regarding this demand for a ban. As per a Sanskrut proverb – ‘Vinashakale Vipareeta Buddhi’ (As one’s doom approaches, the mind falters). The Congress should remember that if it imposes a ban now, it will only signal that its end is near.

Interestingly, from Nehru to Rajiv Gandhi, the Congress leaders have praised the RSS and even sought its assistance !

For Daily News : SanatanPrabhat.org/english/