RSS Chief Bhagwat's Dussehra Speech Decoded

NEW DELHI: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat is the most important individual in the current dispensation. There are no two views that the RSS controls the government, and acts not just as a controller but also enabler for the BJP and its political affiliates to ensure that the broad agenda pre-determined by it for India is followed and not derailed.

So when Bhagwat’s Dussehra speech is aired by Doordarshan it is but but to expected as his power has increased over the three years, more so with the dip in economy and growing angst against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government. The RSS agenda remains on track, as its chief made very clear in his speech, even as he reminded the government of its weak areas and directed it to pull up its socks on the economy in particular.

Bhagwat made it clear though that there will be no let up in what is at the core of the RSS agenda---Jammu and Kashmir, cow protection, and Bangladeshi migration that has now been made far more effective with the Rohingya exodus.

On Jammu and Kashmir:

Bhagwat made it clear, “Necessary Constitutional amendments will have to be made and old provisions will have to be changed.Then and then only, the residents of Jammu Kashmir can be completely assimilated with rest of Bharat and their equal cooperation and share will be possible in the national progress.”

The RSS has been categorical in its campaign to do away with all provisions that allow Jammu and Kashmir a special status with Bhagwat making it clear that the needs and rights of the Hindu refugees from Pakistan and more recently from Kashmir need to be addressed. “For decades together, some generations are living through this miserable state of refugees for their decision to be in Bharat and remain as a Hindu. Despite being citizens of Bharat, they are still far away from the basic facilities of education, employment and democratic rights, and leading a backward life. This is happening just because the discriminatory provisions in the state of Jammu and Kashmir that denied them the fundamental rights. The problems of permanent residents of state who migrated from the Pakistan occupied Jammu-Kashmir in 1947 and the people who were displaced from the Kashmir valley in 1990 are remaining as it is.”

Rohingyas and Bangladesh:

“Nation already has been facing the problem of illegal Bangladeshi migrants and now Rohingyas who are chased away from Myanmar have infiltrated and many more are ready to migrate illegally. They are being driven out of Myanmar mainly due to their continuous violent and criminal separatist activities and linkages with the terrorist groups. Any decision regarding them should be taken by keeping in mind that they will definitely be a threat to national security and integrity.”

Bhagwat was happy that the “the government seems to be thinking on the same line.” And further added that the “Sajjan Shakti” of the border states will have to “come forward fearlessly” and “will have to be organised, vocal and active and also make the society fearless, alert and enlightened.” The Modi government has made it clear too that it will not accept Rohingya refugees in India on grounds of ‘national security’ and in acceptance of the Myanmar military position that the hapless community has close links with terrorist outfits.

Cow Protection:

The RSS chief was categorical here that there would be no let up in the cow protection program, and almost warned the government against coming in the way.

In our Sanskriti, cow is an article of reverence. Cow protection is also included in Directive Principles of our Constitution and many states ruled by different political parties at different times have formulated laws regarding the same.”

And linked cow smuggling to Bangladesh as well maintaining, “the cow smuggling has emerged as a serious issue in all states and especially, on the Bangladesh border.”

Bhagwat came out in strong defence of the cow vigilantes maintaining that the activity was invaluable, that the propagnda that the ‘activists’ had indulged in violence was wrong, and that in actual fact it was these ‘activists’ who had been attacked and killed.

“In such a scenario, activities of cow-protection and cow promotion become more valuable. All these activities are undertaken by the activists within the legal and Constitutional framework. After inquiries in the recent incidences of violence and atrocities, it has become amply clear that these activities or the activists were not involved in those acts of violence. On the contrary many activists who were peacefully involved in cow protection were attacked and killed; this issue is neither discussed nor being inquired. It is unfair to link the cow protectors or entire activity of Cow protection with violent incidences or communal feelings without knowing or neglecting the facts.”

Bhagwat’s advice for the “cow protectors and promoters” was not to get distracted by comments of highly places persons in the Government or by the Supreme Court and continue with their work.

“In such a situation, cow-protectors and promoters who are piously involved in the activitythe should not worry or get distracted with the well intentioned statements by highly placed persons in the Government or remarks made by the Supreme Court. People who are criminals and involved in violent activities should be bothered about that. Vested interests are misinterpreting these statements to influence the larger public opinion.”

And his clear message to the government was not believe misinterpretation of facts and should ensure that the “legal and virtuous work of cow protection and cow promotion” continues.

“The government and administration should stay away from such misinterpretation and should ensure that the criminals get penalised and the innocents are not troubled. The legal and virtuous work of cow-protection and cow-promotion will go on in the interest of the people and will increase in coming days. It will also be the apt answer to the situation.”