RSS – Shiv Sena UBT Accuses Sangh of Backing BJP Actions
RSS – The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Tuesday accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh of straying from what it described as its once “principled and upright” foundations. The party alleged that the Sangh has become closely aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party and is complicit in actions it considers unconstitutional and tainted by corruption.
Editorial Targets RSS–BJP Relationship
The criticism was published in an editorial in Saamana, the party’s official publication. Referring to a recent public dialogue held in Mumbai to mark the RSS’s centenary year, the article questioned remarks made by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.
According to the editorial, Bhagwat’s assertion that the RSS is merely a cultural and social organization with no direct political role was “confusing” and inconsistent with ground realities. The piece argued that the BJP and the RSS operate in tandem, describing them as inseparable in ideology and action.
Bhagwat had stated that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads the government under the BJP banner, the Sangh and the ruling party remain institutionally distinct. The editorial, however, dismissed this explanation, contending that the distinction is superficial and does not reflect the depth of their association.
Historical Links Cited as Evidence
To support its argument, the Shiv Sena (UBT) referenced political events from the 1970s, particularly the collapse of the Janata Party government over the issue of dual membership involving RSS members. The editorial suggested that such historical precedents demonstrate long-standing structural ties between the two organizations.
The piece further alleged that the Sangh has either lost its autonomy or has chosen to support the BJP’s governance approach. It claimed that remaining silent on contentious issues effectively amounts to endorsement.
Allegations Over Delhi Office and Governance
The editorial also mentioned the construction of a prominent Sangh office complex in Delhi’s Jhandewalan area. It alleged that an old temple structure was removed to facilitate parking arrangements, suggesting that such decisions reflected the influence that comes with proximity to political power.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) argued that the Sangh cannot distance itself from the BJP’s decisions while benefiting from its political rise. It maintained that claiming institutional separation does not align with visible collaboration.
High-Profile Attendance at Centenary Event
Another point raised was the presence of well-known personalities at the recent centenary event. Actors Salman Khan and Ranbir Kapoor were among those in attendance, along with industrialists, scientists, and legal experts.
The editorial observed that such participation was uncommon at earlier RSS platforms. It suggested that the attendance of public figures might reflect changing political dynamics rather than ideological endorsement. In Ranbir Kapoor’s case, the article noted the contrast with the legacy of his grandfather, Raj Kapoor, who was associated with left-leaning cultural values.
Claims of Institutional Influence and Divisive Politics
The Shiv Sena (UBT) further accused the BJP of weakening other Hindutva-aligned groups and consolidating political control by attracting elected representatives from rival parties. It also alleged undue influence over constitutional institutions, including the judiciary and the Election Commission, though it did not provide specific evidence.
The editorial questioned the gap between calls for communal harmony and the rhetoric of certain BJP leaders at the state level. It referred to statements and actions by leaders in Assam and elsewhere, arguing that silence from the Sangh leadership on such matters undermines claims of neutrality.
Ideological Goals Remain Unmet, Says Sena
In its concluding remarks, the editorial stated that despite sustained efforts by RSS volunteers to strengthen the BJP’s electoral position, several long-standing ideological objectives remain unrealized. Among these, it mentioned the vision of Akhand Bharat, the conferring of the Bharat Ratna on Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, and concerns over the condition of Hindus in Bangladesh.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) maintained that the RSS must clarify its position and accept responsibility if it continues to be closely associated with the policies and direction of the ruling party.