The Congress party recently invoked a book to assert that Mahatma Gandhi described the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a “communal body with a totalitarian outlook”. The statement follows the RSS completing a century since its inception.
On Thursday, Congress general secretary for communications, Jairam Ramesh, took to X to share insights from the book authored by Pyarelal, Gandhi’s close aide and secretary. Ramesh emphasized that Pyarelal worked closely with Gandhi for almost three decades, particularly after Mahadev Desai’s death in 1942.
Ramesh pointed out that Pyarelal’s writings have become essential resources for understanding Gandhi’s philosophy. He mentioned that Pyarelal published the first volume of “Mahatma Gandhi: The Last Phase” in 1956, with Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the then President of India, providing an introduction. The second volume followed in 1958, collecting conversations and reflections on Gandhi’s thoughts.
“In the second volume, on page 440, Pyarelal documents a conversation from September 12, 1947, where Gandhi characterizes the RSS as a ‘communal body with a totalitarian outlook’,” Ramesh asserted. This conversation is significant as it provides context to Gandhi’s concerns about the ideological stance of the RSS during a tumultuous period in India’s history.
Ramesh’s revelations evoke historical memories, especially considering that just five months later, then Union Home Minister Sardar Patel imposed a ban on the RSS. This historical ban followed the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, which highlighted fears regarding the influence of extremist ideologies in the nation.
In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent praise of the RSS for its role in nation-building, Congress reminded him of Patel’s assertions regarding the organization. Ramesh referenced a letter Patel sent to Syama Prasad Mookerjee on July 18, 1948. In it, Patel expresses reservations about the RSS and the Hindu Mahasabha, particularly concerning their activities contributing to the atmosphere leading to Gandhi’s assassination.
Patel’s letter stated, “As regards the RSS and the Hindu Mahasabha, the case relating to Gandhi ji’s murder is sub-judice… reports confirm that… an atmosphere was created in the country in which such a ghastly tragedy became possible.” Patel declared that RSS activities posed a threat to governmental stability, stating, “Indeed, as time has marched on, the RSS circles are becoming more defiant and are indulging in their subversive activities in an increasing measure.”
In a subsequent post, Ramesh recalled another significant moment: Patel’s address at a public gathering in Jaipur on December 19, 1948, during which he vehemently spoke against the RSS.
The Congress party’s claims about Gandhi’s views on the RSS come at a time when the organization celebrates its century of existence. During a recent event marking this milestone, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the RSS’s consistent commitment to the principle of ‘Nation First’, emphasizing its resilience amidst adversities.
As the discourse around the role of the RSS and its historical context intensifies, it is imperative to consider the contrasting narratives emerging. While the RSS regards itself as a harbinger of national unity, critics, including Congress, caution against potential totalitarian tendencies within the organization’s framework.
This ongoing dialogue encapsulates the broader ideological battle for India’s narrative, positioning Gandhi’s legacy at the center of contemporary political discourse.