Eying Dalits and backwards, RSS plans campaign for Hindu unity

RSS will run a nationwide campaign next year to promote "social harmony" among Hindus apparently with an eye to win over Dalits, tribals and other backward classes, communities which are key to BJP's hopes of wresting power in Uttar Pradesh where elections are due in 2017.
The move also assumes significance in the wake of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Chief Mohan Bhagwat's suggestion that the reservation policy needs to be reviewed - a statement that had boomeranged as it was blamed by many for BJP's drubbing in the recent Assembly polls of caste-ridden Bihar.
"We are going to hold discussions on 'samajik samrasta' (social harmony) in our shakhas (morning get-together classes) from January 3 to 10 in which all the participants have been asked to be present," RSS Madhya Bharat Pranth Sanghchalak Satish Pimplikar told PTI today.

"The members (volunteers) of the shakhas will spread the Sangh's viewpoint on 'samrasta' in the society thereafter," he said.
Besides, on Makar Sankranti (January 14), the RSS will organise lunches in which food stuff of 'til' (sesame seeds) made by different families will be served, he said referring to an apparent symbolic gesture of breaking traditional caste-related restriction that have plagued the society.
"People of different castes including Dalits, creed and languages will sit together and take lunch. By doing so we want to promote samajik samrasta in the Hindu society," he said.

"We will also hold several 'samajik samrasta yajnas' on February 7 in which people of different castes, including Dalits, across the Madhya Bharat Pranth, will participate," he said.

The RSS functionary, however, stressed that "nothing deeper" should be read into this move. It is primarily aimed at Hindu 'samrasta', he said adding that RSS has been promoting harmony among Hindus since decades.
"We are doing this exercise following a decision of our central body. Such functions are going to be organised in our 11 'kshetras' spread across the country. The different pranths of the kshetras will chart out their functions," Pimplikar said.
Meanwhile, the RSS is circulating a Hindi booklet titled 'Sabhi Hindu Sahodar Hai' (all Hindus are siblings), containing its views on 'Hindu samrasta' in Bhopal, Gwalior, Chambal and Narmadapuram revenue divisions of MP which it refers as Madhya Bharat Pranth.

The 32-page booklet praises Dr B R Ambedkar, the architect of Indian Constitution, and contains lectures of former RSS chiefs late Balasaheb Deoras and late M S Golwalkar vehemently opposing untouchability.
The BJP too has been stressing on the legacy of Dalit icon Ambedkar with the Narendra Modi Government marking Constitution Day on November 26 which saw a special two-day discussion in both Houses of Parliament as a tribute to Ambedkar.
In a stunning comeback in Uttar Pradesh, BJP had swept the 2014 Lok Sabha elections in the state, which was mainly attributed to the consolidation of Dalit votes, and the party has been hoping to continue the trend in the 2017 Assembly polls in the politically crucial state.

"Incidents of violence and terror attacks have become a
matter of grave concern. Under the pretext of small and big issues, people armed with weapon take to the roads creating atmosphere of fear, as has happened in Malda, and it has become endemic nowadays.
"Destruction of public and private properties, looting and burning business establishment specially those run by Hinuds, has taken place. Political parties, giving up their policy of appeasement, should take such incidents seriously and cooperate to restore the law and order situation and peace," the RSS said.
The saffron outfit said it will be possible only when parties "shed their petty and parochial political interests".

"Political parties should make a combined effort in the right direction. No political party or person is more important than national security.
"It is the responsibility of an efficient and strong government to instill confidence in the people about their security," the report said.
Krishna Gopal, Sah-Sar Karyawah of the RSS, today said issues of education, medical and health, and social harmony were on top of the agenda, but reservations and construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya could be discussed if they are raised at the meeting.
"We have three main issues on the agenda -- education, medical and health, and social harmony. Beyond that, only if any such issue comes, we may look into that," he told reporters when asked whether issues of Ram Temple and reservations will also be discussed.

"Reservation has its own place. Constitution has given its nod. It is 'sanvidhan-sammat' and the country has accepted it.
"If anything comes, we would discuss," he said.
He evaded questions on Ram temple construction and only said, "We will look into it if such a thing comes."
He said the body will issue a resolution on the issue of social harmony.
"Caste based discrimination exist in the country and it should be ended," he said.
On the issue of change in uniform, he said that there were several proposals and will be discussed in the meeting.
"Discussions are on. Any decision will be taken as per the requirement of the present time," he said.

The RSS is likely to replace khaki knickers with trousers and the colour may also see a change.
Gopal said that improving the accessibility and affordability of quality education, medical and health facilities and abolishment of untouchability and improving social harmony are the key issues.
"Education should be of good quality and every common man should have access to quality education," Gopal said.
Similarly, good medical and health facilities should be available to all.
"Health facilities are getting costlier and the common man is suffering. What should be done to provide relief to people will be discussed in the meeting.

"In the annual meeting, representatives discuss progress, new initiatives and other related issues," he said.
(REOPENS DEL20)
In the inaugural session, representatives paid homage to former VHP leader Ashok Singhal and former Speaker of Lok Sabha P A Sangma among others.
VHP leaders Dinesh Chandra, Champat Rai and Praveen Togadia and BJP leaders Ramlal and Ram Madhav were among those present in the meeting.