Reaching out to RSS

THE BJP-led Centre’s decision to lift the ban on government employees from participating in activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is an attempt by the ruling party to reach out to the Hindutva organisation and convey the impression that everything is hunky-dory within the Sangh Parivar. Asserting that the move would strengthen the country’s democratic system, the RSS has accused erstwhile (read Congress) governments of furthering their political interests by imposing the ban. Attacking the Centre, the Congress has said that the new order would test the neutrality of public servants.

Relations between the BJP and the RSS are going through a rough patch, particularly after the saffron party fell short of a majority in the Lok Sabha. The BJP’s below-par performance in the parliamentary elections has given ample fodder to the Sangh top brass to fire no-holds-barred salvos. RSS leader Indresh Kumar said Lord Ram had stopped an ‘arrogant’ party that claimed to be ‘Ram Bhakt’ from attaining a majority, while Sangh mouthpiece Organiser observed that the electoral outcome was a ‘reality check’ for overconfident BJP workers. Last week, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat apparently alluded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he talked about the human ambition to become a superman and a god. Moreover, Sangh leaders have sent out a message that their organisation will not play second fiddle to the BJP.

Dependent on allies for the first time in a decade, the BJP seems keen to make concessions for the sake of staying in power. With the RSS centenary coming up next year, the ruling party is expected to go all out to appease Bhagwat and Co. Lifting of the ban will help in ironing out some of the differences, even as the onus is on the government to address concerns and allay fears over the contentious decision’s impact on governance.