The Congress party claims that Mahatma Gandhi referred to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a “communal body with a totalitarian outlook.” This assertion stems from a conversation noted by Pyarelal, one of Gandhi’s closest associates, and coincides with the RSS celebrating its centenary.
On Thursday, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh emphasized this point through a post on X, reminding followers of the historical context surrounding Gandhi’s remarks. Ramesh stated that Pyarelal, who served as Gandhi’s secretary for nearly three decades, authored several significant works, including the highly regarded “Mahatma Gandhi: The Last Phase.”
Praising the depth of Pyarelal’s work, Ramesh noted that the book first published in 1956 contains key insights into Gandhi’s thoughts and interactions. He specifically highlighted a reference to a conversation from September 12, 1947, where Gandhi characterized the RSS.
Ramesh reiterated that on page 440 of the second volume of Pyarelal’s work, Gandhi’s direct criticism of the RSS becomes apparent. The timing of the statement adds gravity; five months later, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the former Union Home Minister, imposed a ban on the RSS, linking it to a climate of violence.
“The PM has spoken much of the RSS this morning,” Ramesh remarked, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s comments on the same day. “Is he even aware of what Sardar Patel wrote to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on July 18, 1948?”
In his correspondence, Patel expressed reservations about the RSS and the Hindu Mahasabha in light of Gandhi’s assassination, implying their activities contributed to a dire atmosphere in the country. He warned that the RSS posed a clear threat to governmental stability, a point echoed by reports highlighting ongoing subversive activities despite the ban.
These revelations come as Modi lauded the RSS for its contributions to nation-building during its centenary celebrations. Patel’s letters paint a contrasting picture, suggesting a deep-rooted tension between the RSS and early leaders of India.
“Our reports confirm that the activities of these two bodies created an atmosphere in which such a ghastly tragedy became possible,” Patel wrote, highlighting the need for vigilance against the objectives of the RSS.
Ramesh’s assertions invite further scrutiny of the RSS’s historical role in shaping post-independence India. The Congress party’s timing coincides with ongoing debates about the organization’s legacy and its impact on national politics.
During his address, PM Modi stated that the RSS has never exhibited animosity, even under considerable scrutiny and challenges. This firm stance on the principle of ‘nation first’ stands in contrast to historical criticisms.
As India reflects on its past, the dialogue surrounding the RSS and its portrayal in the context of Gandhi’s vision continues to be a focal point for political discourse. The Congress’s invocation of Gandhi’s words serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between national identity and political organization in contemporary India.
