In a bold assertion, the Congress party on Thursday reminded the public of Mahatma Gandhi’s criticism of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), stating that he described the organization as a ‘communal body with a totalitarian outlook’. The claim comes as the RSS marks its centennial year.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh shared this information via a post on X. He referenced a conversation between Gandhi and one of his colleagues from September 12, 1947, where these words were allegedly spoken. Ramesh emphasized that the accounts originate from Pyarelal, a trusted aide of Gandhi who served him for nearly three decades and became his secretary after Mahadev Desai’s passing in 1942.
The excerpt cited by Ramesh appears in Pyarelal’s comprehensive work, “Mahatma Gandhi: The Last Phase.” This book, published in 1956, has become a standard reference on Gandhi’s life. Ramesh noted the introduction penned by then President Dr. Rajendra Prasad and the endorsement from Vice President Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, highlighting its credibility.
On page 440 of the second volume, Ramesh pointed out, Pyarelal details a significant exchange reflecting Gandhi’s assessment of the RSS, asserting that it embodied a ‘communal body with a totalitarian outlook’. This conversation occurred just over two months after India gained independence.
Five months post this significant dialogue, Sardar Patel, the then Union Home Minister, imposed a ban on the RSS, reflecting concerns over the organization’s impact on national unity. Ramesh also shared a screenshot of the relevant passage from Pyarelal’s book, reiterating Gandhi’s sentiments.
In a direct response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s praise for the RSS on Wednesday, which lauded its role in nation-building, Ramesh invoked Sardar Patel’s comments regarding the organization’s activities contributing to the atmosphere leading to Gandhi’s assassination.
“The Prime Minister has spoken much about the RSS”, Ramesh articulated, questioning if Modi even acknowledged the warnings Patel issued regarding the organization in his communication to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on July 18, 1948. This letter suggested that activities linked to the RSS and the Hindu Mahasabha fostered an environment in which Gandhi’s murder was conceivable.
According to Patel’s correspondence, he expressed, “As regards the RSS and the Hindu Mahasabha, the case relating to Gandhi ji’s murder is sub-judice and I should not like to say anything about the participation of the two organisations, but our reports do confirm that, as a result of the activities of these two bodies, particularly the former, an atmosphere was created in the country in which such a ghastly tragedy became possible.”
Patel further emphasized the notion that the RSS posed a formidable threat to government stability, stating that reports indicated a resurgence of ‘defiant’ activities within RSS circles despite its ban. This perspective generated a considerable response from Congress leaders.
Moreover, Ramesh highlighted that Patel addressed a major public gathering in Jaipur on December 19, 1948, where he vocalized concerns over the RSS. His remarks during this event resonate with the ongoing debates about the organization’s influence in contemporary politics.
As the controversy unfolds, it becomes imperative to revisit these historic narratives to better understand the socio-political dynamics that shaped modern India. The Congress party aims to shed light on these historical accounts amidst the current celebrations of the RSS, emphasizing a narrative that critically evaluates the organization’s past and its perceived role in Gandhi’s assassination.
Critics might argue that the interpretation of Gandhi’s views on the RSS is pivotal to understanding the broader context of India’s struggle for freedom, as well as its political discourse today. This ongoing discussion not only honors Gandhi’s legacy but also interrogates the contemporary implications of his words.
Overall, the Congress party’s revival of Gandhi’s statements against the RSS serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between history and politics in India while urging citizens to reflect on the values that shaped the nation’s founding.
