RSS in bid to shed anti-minority image

In an act of singing in perfect harmony with the government on the minority issue, the Rashtraiya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is expected to bring out a separate resolution on minorities, particularly Muslims, in its forthcoming three-day executive meet at Jaipur to appreciate the efforts of certain Muslim leaders to foster social harmony.

Similarly, while passing through the minority dominated regions of Kerala, as part of his rath yatra, Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani also made a determined attempt to dispel doubts about the BJP's anti-minority image.

Perhaps, this is the first time that the RSS will explain its views on minorities in its executive meet and make an appeal for their co-option into the nationalist mainstream, according to RSS sources.

The discussions initiated between RSS chief KS Sudershan and a section of Islamic theologists is being referred as a turning point in improving the relationship between the Hindus and Muslims in the country.

The RSS's pro-minority utterances are expected to shed off the Sangh Parivar's anti-minority image on the eve of the Lok Sabha elections.

Though the BJP has already expanded its fold to the minority, the RSS's latest love for "nationalist Muslims" is seen as an important component of the Sangh Parivar's concept of Hindutva.

The RSS is, however, equally cautious about addressing the hard-liners constituency as the executive meet will criticise all those opposing the juggernaut of the VHP and its rabble-rouser leader Pravin Togadia, sources maintain.

In an attempt to reassure the minorities, who represent a conscious and aware vote bank in Kerala, Advani today asserted that the BJP was committed to a regime of no-discrimination against the minorities.

Advani said the minorities in the country were no longer willing to be used a vote bank as they had been seen in the past.