RSS backs govt on land bill, Masarat release

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat pays tribute at Dr Hedgewar Smriti Mandir in Nagpur on Friday. (Source: Express photo by Sudarshan Sakharkar)

The RSS on Friday rallied behind the Narendra Modi government, offering its unflinching support over various issues, including amendments to the land acquisition Act and its stand on the release of Hurriyat hardliner Masarat Alam.

On the inaugural day of three-day RSS Pratinidhi Sabha, a grand conclave of over 1,400 delegates from parent and affiliate bodies, the Sangh also advised its frontal organisations opposing the government on certain issues to resolve such matters amicably through dialogue with the Centre, and avoid confrontation.

Also, the RSS virtually confirmed that it would retain Bhaiyyaji Joshi as Sarkaryawah (general secretary). “There is no need to change the general when the army is doing well,” Sahsarkaryawah (joint general secretary) Dattatreya Hosbale told mediapersons here. The “election” is likely to happen on Saturday evening or Sunday morning.

The Indian Express had reported that Joshi would continue as Sarkaryawah and Hosbale as his deputy despite speculation to the contrary.

Hosbale also made it clear that the RSS would not question many decisions of the BJP-led NDA government, despite frontal organisations such as Bharatiya Majdoor Sangh (BMS), Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) and Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) opposing the Centre’s FDI move in Insurance sector and the land amendment bill.

“The general direction in which the government is working appears to be good. And it’s there just over nine months now. It has to complete five years. So, it would not be proper to comment on its performance so early,” Hosbale said. On the controversy surrounding Masarat Alam’s release, he said: “We also don’t feel what is happening in J&K (release of separatist leaders) is good.” But, in Modi’s defence, the RSS leader said, “Even the Prime Minister has said what has happened is not good. There are going to be teething troubles, but that doesn’t mean the government shouldn’t run. In J&K, there are nationalist forces and we hope things will improve. We wish good for the government there.”

Asked if the RSS views on the land there bill as anti-farmer, Hosbale said, “No. Some amendments have been made and it all depends on how the provisions are implemented. If implemented well, no injustice will be done to farmers.”

“Our organisations work in different fields and are free to express their opinions. If they have any problem, they should sit with the government and resolve it in a coordinated (samanvay) manner,” he said, referring to BKS’s opposition to the proposed amendments.

On the issue of minorities, Hosbale reiterated the Sangh’s line that there was no entity as religious minorities in India. “All have same cultural origins… no matter if they are Hindus, Christians or Muslims. That’s why we don’t feel there is anything called a minority,” Hosbale said.

He also distanced the RSS from the “ghar wapsi” campaign, saying, “the RSS is not doing any such programme. So, the issue isn’t coming up for any discussion.”

Source:: Indian Express