As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) marks its centenary, the Indian National Congress highlighted Mahatma Gandhi’s critical remarks about the organization, claiming he referred to it as a “communal body with totalitarian outlook”. This statement, coming from Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, aims to underscore historical political tensions surrounding the RSS.
On Thursday, Ramesh took to X, the platform previously known as Twitter, to share insights from Pyarelal, a trusted aide and secretary to Gandhi. Ramesh emphasized that Pyarelal dedicated nearly thirty years to Gandhi’s personal staff and contributed significantly to preserving his legacy through literature.
“Pyarelal’s books on Mahatma Gandhi have indeed become standard reference works. In 1956, he released the first volume of “Mahatma Gandhi: The Last Phase,” published by Navajivan Publishing House in Ahmedabad. It features a significant introduction by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the then President of India, alongside endorsements from Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, the Vice President,” stated Ramesh.
The second volume followed two years later, adding more depth to the conversation surrounding Gandhi’s views and experiences during a tumultuous time in Indian history.
According to Ramesh, on page 440 of the second volume, there exists a poignant account revealing Gandhi’s views on the RSS from a conversation with a colleague on September 12, 1947. Here, Gandhi categorized the RSS explicitly as a “communal body with a totalitarian outlook,” a characterisation that resonates with ongoing debates about the organisation’s influence and ideology.
Five months after the conversation, then Union Home Minister Sardar Patel imposed a ban on the RSS, a fact Ramesh stressed as a crucial historical moment reflecting government concerns over the organisation. Ramesh also attached a screenshot of the book passage illustrating Gandhi’s viewpoint.
This political discourse intensified following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent commendation of the RSS for its role in nation-building. In response, Congress reminded the Prime Minister of Sardar Patel’s assertion that the RSS’s actions created a prevailing atmosphere contributing to Gandhi’s assassination.
In a follow-up post, Ramesh questioned the Prime Minister’s awareness of Patel’s concerns articulated in a letter to Syama Prasad Mookerjee dated July 18, 1948. In this correspondence, Patel noted the ongoing court case regarding Gandhi’s murder but expressed unease regarding the RSS and Hindu Mahasabha’s activities. He remarked, “Our reports confirm that the activities of these two bodies, particularly the former, have cultivated an environment where such a tragic occurrence became plausible.”
Patel’s concern about the threat posed by the RSS with respect to governmental stability was profound, revealing a historical caution that Congress continues to invoke. He further elaborated that despite the ban, RSS activities had not diminished and were, in fact, becoming increasingly problematic.
In another significant address, Ramesh referenced Patel’s strong statements during a public gathering in Jaipur on December 19, 1948, emphasizing the persistent challenges that the RSS posed during that era.
The context of these discussions highlights the rich, albeit complex, historical narrative surrounding the RSS, as it has evolved over the decades. On Wednesday, during the centenary celebrations, PM Modi praised the RSS for its principle of “nation first” and its resilient presence despite adversities throughout its history. This ongoing discourse unveils the ideological conflict between the Congress and the RSS, showcasing differing narratives about India’s national identity and the role of various organizations in shaping it.
