RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Rues No Peace in Manipur Even after 1 Year

Moneylife Digital Team 11 June 2024

Economy & Nation

Mohan Bhagwat, the ‘sarsanghchalak’ (head) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has expressed concern over peace eluding in Manipur even after one year of violence. "The situation in the strife-torn Northeastern state must be considered with priority," the RSS chief said. He also emphasised the need to get over the election rhetoric and focus on the problems facing the nation.

Addressing a gathering of RSS trainees in Nagpur, Mr Bhagwat said conflict at various places and in society is not good.

10 , , , - ? -… pic.twitter.com/9VHzw8h5jE
— RSS (@RSSorg) June 10, 2024

The RSS chief stressed unity among all communities in the country, which, he said, was very diverse, though people understand it is one and not separate. "Unity is needed in society. There is distance among us as injustice has been happening. There is distrust in our minds...Letting go of the past and the changes we need to make to ourselves to accept everyone should begin from one's home..."

Commenting on the recently concluded general election, the ‘sarsanghchalak’ said, "A true ‘sevak’ (one who serves the people) does not have 'ahankar' (arrogance) and works without causing any hurt to others."

Referring to the bitter poll campaign, he said, "Decorum was not maintained (during the election)."

"The kind of criticisms that were made for each other, the manner in which a campaign would lead to tiff in society and there will be divisions - none of it was taken care of. Organisations like RSS were also dragged into it needlessly. Falsehood was presented with the help of technology...Modern technology was used to propagate falsehood. How will a country run like that?" he asked.

He says elections are an essential process of democracy. "Since there are two sides to it, there is a contest. Since it is a contest efforts are made to take oneself forward. But there is a dignity to it. Lies should not be used. People are being elected to go to the Parliament and run our country. They will do so by coming to a consent...This contest is not a war."

*

* , ,
* … pic.twitter.com/v6t0eoBRT2
— RSS (@RSSorg) June 10, 2024

The RSS chief also emphasised that Opposition parties should not be considered an adversary. "They are the opposition, revealing one side. Their opinions should also come to light...There is dignity in contesting elections. That dignity was not maintained. It is necessary to do so because our country's challenges have not ended...The same government is back in power - the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). It is right that many positive things have happened in the last 10 years...But it doesn't mean that we are free of challenges now..."

Comments

User

s5rwav

7 months ago

Crocodile Tears or real Ones is the Question.

narayansa

7 months ago

What is the use of saying this now when all the election rhetoric, hate speeches etc were continuing unabated for nearly 44 days! Hindsight wisdom!! Clearly there is a power struggle between the RSS and BJP. RSS seems to want replacement of Modi with a more moderate face like Nitin Gadkari, who is rumored to have good equations with many opposition leaders.

Meenal Mamdani

Replied to narayansa comment 7 months ago

You are correct in criticizing Bhagwat on staying mum while Modi had attacked the Muslim community in despicable terms during the campaign.
But Modi had subdued and co-opted the media, so most likely Bhagwat's speech would not have received any coverage.
Yes, one hopes that someone other than Modi becomes the leader of BJP which is the political arm of RSS which insists that it is just a social organization.
We must not forget that Modi was simply implementing RSS ideology and aims. Modi was crude, combative and in a hurry to turn the country into a theocracy but whoever is the head of BJP, she/he will implement the same ideas, the same vision for India.

The danger for India is mainly RSS as it is the parent whose children, the vast Sangh Parivar, carry on its aims.

narayansa

Replied to Meenal Mamdani comment 7 months ago

Very true!