Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
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Hindutva Agenda
An E Book
by
Ram Puniyani
Preface 03
1. Pattern of Politics 04
Equations of Power, Acche Din, Changed Dispensation:
Sectarian mindset, Education, Caste and Gender, Fringe
Elements or Division of Labor
Summing up 28
References 29
Selected Bibliography 30
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Modi Sarkar: Unfolding of Hindutva Agenda
Preface
Modi came to power with a bang. Riding on the support of the Corporate
World, the RSS combine, the media blitz and the promises of sky; he managed
to get 31% of votes and 262 seats in the Lok Sabha. This is the first time BJP
managed a simple majority in lower house of Parliament. This also became
an occasion for Modi-BJP-RSS to unfold their agenda in full. While economic
promises have floundered, the protective policies for the average
downtrodden have been partly retracted along with the claims of great
economic achievement by RSS combine and its supporters. The reality of
economic situation has forced the substantial section of media to take
cognizance of the plight of the people and criticize the failure of the
Government on economic and many other fronts.
The social scenario has been dismal, the growing intolerance, the attack on
autonomy of universities, the treatment of dalits, as reflected in the death of
Rohith Vemula, the intimidation of religious minorities through issues like
beef, Bharat Mata ki jai, and nationalism have dominated the scene. By now
most of the people are clear that RSS is in the driving seat supervising the
total unfoldment of its agenda of Hindu nationalism.
Ram Puniyani
Mumbai
May 2016
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Modi Sarkar: Unfolding of Hindutva Agenda
Chapter 1
Pattern of Politics
a. Equations of Power
The previous time, 1999, BJP came to power at the Government. Secretaries of different departments
head of a NDA it did not have the simple majority so have been asked to directly report to him, and he
it suspended its “Hindutva’ agenda. Hindutva has not permitted the meeting of the Cabinet in his
agenda; in a limited sense; stands for abolition of absence, which was the norm with previous
article 370, Uniform Civil Codes and building of Governments. Though there is a Cabinet, the major
Ram Temple on the site where Babri Masjid stood. power is centralized around the prime minister. As
Now with the majority in parliament, the march Shourie points out “Prime Minister Narendra Modi
towards this Hindutva agenda and the deeper is narcissistic and is running a one-man presidential
agenda of Hindutva has been unleashed. Modi has government, the direction of which was dangerous
already instilled the authoritarian streak in the new for India…’ (1)
b. Acche Din
The major plank of winning the elections was the large, who had been victims of the rising prices and
slogan of Acche din (Good Times). The people at inflation, were sold the dream of better days in the
offing with victory of Modi. The relentless rise of
prices despite Modi coming to power has created a
sense of disillusion amongst the people, as high
hopes were created through propaganda. The
pattern of policies is clear. There is a removal of
whatever little protection has been there for the
average people. They do not give a hopeful picture
for times to come. FDA in retail has been raised
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Modi Sarkar: Unfolding of Hindutva Agenda
from 26% to 49% in a single swoop. While in in a very adverse way. It was opposed by all. It
opposition; BJP was opposing it. This is an could not go through the parliament, now this is
opportunist turn around. The fear of privatization being tried through the states where BJP is ruling.
of public sector is very much there in the air. The This bill aims to dilute the consent of majority of the
amendments to proposed Land Acquisition bill farmers for acquiring land.
were are going to affect the interests of the farmers
d. Education
One of the major problems of the present rule is introduced by British was their main tool in
going to be the changes in education, which will implementing the ‘divide and rule’ policy which
alter the thinking pattern of the coming formed the ideology of the communal streams of
generations. The goal is to instill a pattern in Muslim League and Hindu Mahasabha-RSS. This
consonance with the Brahminical norms, to type of history; by focusing on the glories of ‘our’
promote orthodox medieval mind set and to kings also promotes the feudal values of caste and
undermine the scientific temper. One recalls that in gender hierarchy. Mercifully the BJP led NDA lost in
the previous BJP led NDA regime apart from other 2004 and the rational, national historiography was
things, its major impact was the changes in the brought back.
history and social science books, where the divisive
history taught in the RSS shakhas, the communal Now RSS volunteers are out to change the total
history, the history where the kings are looked at education system and the content of history, social
through the prism of religion, was introduced. One science and other books. Even before this
knows that the communal historiography Government came to power, with the rise of Modi
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Modi Sarkar: Unfolding of Hindutva Agenda
on political firmament, with the perception that he Mahabharata. Kunti had a bright son like the Sun
is likely to come to power, the Right wing itself. When Gandhari, who had not been able to
organizations intensified their offensive against conceive for two years, learnt of this, she
genuine scholarship. Dinanath Batra, by now is a underwent an abortion. From her womb a huge
well known name; he has been heading the RSS mass of flesh came out. (Rishi) Dwaipayan Vyas was
outfits, Shiksha Bachao Abhiyan Samiti and RSS- called. He observed this hard mass of flesh and then
affiliated Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas (SSUN) he preserved it in a cold tank with specific
from many decades. He succeeded in pressuring medicines. He then divided the mass of flesh into
Penguin, the World’s largest publisher, to pulp 100 parts and kept them separately in 100 tanks
Wendy Doniger's scholarly book ‘The Hindus: An full of ghee for two years. After two years, 100
Alternate History’. This book brings out through the Kauravas were born of it. On reading this, he
interpretation of mythology the need to understand (Matapurkar) realized that stem cell was not his
the caste and gender aspects in a sensitive manner. invention. This was found in India thousands of
The history she has focused on goes against the years ago. (Page 92-93)
hierarchical mind set of RSS combine and so
pressure was put to pulp it. Now Mr. Batra emerges Indian rishis using their yog vidya would attain
as a writer himself and a set of nine books written divya drishti (divine vision). There is no doubt that
by him have been translated in to Gujarati and the invention of television goes back to this… In
introduced in 42000 schools in Gujarat. This may be Mahabharata, Sanjaya sitting inside a palace in
a trial run before doing similar things at larger Hastinapur and using his divya shakti would give a
scale. Former BJP president and present union live telecast of the battle of Mahabharata… to the
minister M Venkaiah Naidu explicitly stated as early blind Dhritarashtra. (Page 64) What we know
as last year (June 23, 2013) that “it (the BJP) will today as the motorcar existed during the Vedic
change textbook syllabi, if it returns to power”. period. It was called anashva rath. Usually a rath
Batra is also quoted as saying that a nationalistic (chariot) is pulled by horses but an anashva rath
education system has to be developed to address means the one that runs without horses or yantra-
the requirements and through this we have to rath, what is today a motorcar. The Rig Veda refers
develop a young generation that is committed to to this. (Page 60)
Hindutva and nationalism”. RSS has already set up a consultative body called
The sampling of Batra’s books gives a good idea of Bharatiya Shiksha Niti Ayog (BSNA) to put pressure
what is in store for us. A quote from one of the set of on Modi’s government to “correct or Indianize” the
books, ‘Tejonmaya Bharat’, (Radiant Bharat) tells us national education system. In the new syllabus “The
“America wants to take the credit for invention of passages in the textbooks which pointed out to any
stem cell research, but the truth is that India’s Dr unsavory aspect of the Hindu faith like the
Balkrishna Ganpat Matapurkar has already got a oppressive caste system in ancient Hindu society,
patent for regenerating body parts…You would be untouchability of the low-caste people and
surprised to know that this research is not new and consumption of beef during Vedic ages were
that Dr Matapurkar was inspired by the scrapped, and anyone who resisted or opposed the
changes was dubbed as 'anti-national'.(2)
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Modi Sarkar: Unfolding of Hindutva Agenda
written any academic, peer reviewed papers or this Prof Rao states that distortion in caste system
books. He has been engaged with writing few blogs came with the coming of Muslim Kings. He had so
on his understanding of history, which is more of a far been working on proving the historicity of our
fiction suiting the agenda of Hindu Rashtra, mythological Mahabharat as a part of History.
reinstating the caste system in particular. In one of Interestingly RSS combine presents only one
his blogs he emphasis that caste system served the version of Ramayan but there are nearly 400
society very well and there are no complaints versions of Ramayan. The scholarly essay by
against it. As per him “Most of the questionable A.K.Ramanujam on the diversity of Ramayan telling
social customs in the Indian society as pointed out again was withdrawn from Delhi University
by the English educated Indian intellectuals and the curriculum, and the publisher forced to withdraw
Western scholars could be traced to this period of the book.
Muslim rule in north India spanning over seven
centuries.” He argues that “The (caste) system was With the coming of this Government the peripheral
working well in ancient times and we do not find elements have started talking about making these
any complaint from any quarters against it.” This is scriptures as a part of our curriculum. Justice Dave
a distortion. The customs related to caste talks of bringing in Gita and others are talking of
oppression were integral to the so called Hindu Ramayana. Both these holy tomes have heavy
scriptures Vedas (Rig Veda, Purush Sukta) projections of caste. In Gita, Lord talks of taking
Upanishad, (3) the scriptures which were written in birth whenever Dharma is in danger. And this
the Pre Historic BC period. Even in Manu smiriti the Dharma is Varnashram Dharma (Varna system). In
caste division is well articulated. Manu Smriti was Ramayan Lord Ram kills Shambuk, as Shambuk a
written around 1-2 and Century AD. Contrary to Shudra is doing penance and this is something not
permitted by Caste system.
***
Chapter 2
Hate Speech Galore
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Modi Sarkar: Unfolding of Hindutva Agenda
that certain elements will ask non Hindus to shout unpleasant situation. (8)
this slogan and refusal to do that may result in
***
Chapter 3
Holy Cow-Beef and Indian Political Games
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Modi Sarkar: Unfolding of Hindutva Agenda
work traces the place of beef in Indian diet from Annam Via Gau’ (Cow is in veritably food) Different
centuries. gods are mentioned to be having their choices for
particular type of cow flesh. Prof D. N. Jha quotes
The idea is to target the minorities for beef eating, innumerable examples of this in his masterpiece.
and cow slaughter. One recalls that one of the
slogans which rent the air in the run up the 2014 The preaching of non violence in India came with
General elections was "Modi ko matdan, gai ko the rise of agricultural society. Jainism called for
jeevadan [Vote for Modi, give life to the cow], BJP ka total non violence, while Buddhism talked non-
sandesh, bachegi gai, bachega desh [BJP’s message, violence; preventing of wasteful animal sacrifice in
the cow will be saved, the country will be saved]". particular. It was much later that Brahmanism
This slogan was propped up ‘Cow Development Cell’ picked up cow as a symbol for Brahmanism in
of BJP. response and as a reaction to non-violence of these
religions. Since Brahmanism has asserted itself to
As such emotive-identity issues are the hall mark of be the Hinduism it projects as if Cow is holy for
the politics in the name of religion. BJP built itself Hindus overall. The matter of fact is that many
up on another identity issue, that of Ram Temple. sections of society, more particularly Dalits and
The cow has always been accompanying and a Tribal have been eating beef all through. It is
parallel issue for political mobilization by RSS-BJP. another matter that lately with the rising assertion
It has also been the point of triggering violence in of Hindutva, many a communities which are
many cases all through. With the formation of VHP dependent on beef as a rich and cheap source of
by RSS in 1964, cow issue has been systematically protein are gradually being forced to either give it
propped up time and over again. Many a up or do a rethink on that.
misconceptions about cow, beef eating have been
constructed. Building of misconceptions has also In contrast to what is being asserted by BJP and
been extended to the dietary habits of the ‘Muslim’ company, Swami Vivekanand had a different take
community in particular. The profession of section on the issue. He points out speaking to a large
of Muslims, Kasai (butcher), those in the trade of gathering in USA said: “You will be astonished if I
beef selling has been brought in to the ‘Hate other’, tell you that, according to old ceremonials, he is not
‘social common sense’ in particular. The result a good Hindu who does not eat beef. On certain
being that it is perceived at broad layers of society occasions he must sacrifice a bull and eat it.”
as if beef eating is compulsory for Muslims. The
notion which has been popularized is that Cow is [Vivekananda speaking at the Shakespeare Club,
Holy for Hindus: Muslims kill her! The perception is Pasadena, California, USA (2 February 1900) on the
that the Muslim invaders brought beef eating into theme of ‘Buddhistic India’, cited in Swami
India. These misconceptions are by now the part of Vivekananda, The Complete Works of Swami
‘social common sense’ of the large number of people Vivekananda, Vol 3 (Calcutta: Advaita Ashram,
in the society. 1997), p. 536.]
All the components of this are myths and This is corroborated by other research works
stereotypes have been constructed over a period of sponsored by the Ramakrishna Mission established
time. Time and over again one hears about some by Swami Vivekananda himself. One of these reads:
small communal violence, killing of dalits and “The Vedic Aryans, including the Brahmanas, ate
traders of cows leading to communal polarization. fish, meat and even beef. A distinguished guest was
Many a dalits dealing with cow hide have been honoured with beef served at a meal. Although the
killed in places like Gohana in Haryana and the VHP Vedic Aryans ate beef, milch cows were not killed.
leaders had justified such acts (10). One of the words that designated cow was aghnya
(what shall not be killed). But a guest was a goghna
Contrary to this the beef eating and sacrifice of (one for whom a cow is killed). It is only bulls,
cows was prevalent here from Vedic period. The barren cows and calves that were killed.”[C. Kunhan
sacrifice of cows in the Yagnas (ritual around fire) is Raja, ‘Vedic Culture’, cited in the series, Suniti
extensively mentioned in the scriptures. There is Kumar Chatterji and others (eds.), The Cultural
mention about beef eating in various books. There Heritage of India, Vol 1 (Calcutta: The Ramakrishna
is a phrase in Taitreya Brahmin which states ‘Atho Mission, 1993), 217.]
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Modi Sarkar: Unfolding of Hindutva Agenda
In response to this bill thousands of workers of ban on beef infringes on the fundamental right of
Devnar abattoir (Mumbai), who will be losing their citizens to choose meat of their choice is
jobs came on the streets to protest against this fundamental. The hope is that the society
move of the government (March 11). Many traders, overcomes such abuse of ‘identity issues’ for
from different religion also came to Azad Maidan in political goals and lets the people have their own
Mumbai to protest this communal act of the choices in matters of food habits, and let those who
Maharashtra Government. In a PIL filed in the are making their living from this trade do so
Bombay High Court the petitioner argues that this peacefully. (Reading- Holy Cow Media House, 11)
****
Chapter 4
Manufacturing and Undermining National Icons:
RSS Style
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Modi Sarkar: Unfolding of Hindutva Agenda
are demands from various quarters to allot land for initially working against the British rule but after he
raising his statues in different places. was jailed in Andaman’s, he buckled under pressure
and turned from anti British revolutionary to the
Times and over again Sardar Patel is projected vis a one who apologized to British and later never
vis Nehru. In one of the speeches Modi said Patel participated in any anti British agitation. That’s all
should have been the first Prime minister of India RSS combine has to show for their participation in
instead of Nehru. Various ‘word of mouth’ freedom struggle. Even Savarkar was not the part of
propaganda to denigrate Nehru has been the RSS, but ideologically Savarkar and RSS both held
consistent activity of many. Again to undermine Hindutva, Hindu nation as their goals.
Nehru Modi said something which was not true. He
said that Nehru did not attend the funeral of Sardar As many in the RSS combine revere Godse, he
Patel. This again is a blatant lie. As far as Mahatma always slips in as the major icon for them. Godse
Gandhi is concerned this present ruling was initially trained in RSS Shakhas and later he
dispensation has projected him but only for the went onto become the Secretary of Pune Branch of
values of cleanliness. One knows that the stature of Hindu Mahasabha. Since many BJP leaders have
Mahatma is such that even those who do not believe background in RSS shakhas, and are on same page
in his inclusive nationalism have also to pay as Godse as far as Hindu Nationalism is concerned,
obeisance to him at home as well as abroad. To they do come out to praise Godse. These two,
circumvent this problem while the core essence of Savarkar and Godse are projected to show their
Gandhi’s struggle for Hindu Muslim unity is allegiance to the ideology of Hindu nationalism in
sidelined, the teachings of the Mahatma for National contrast to Indian nationalism, which is the core
Integration are give a go bye and he is projected for part of Indian Constitution. This is necessary for
only for swachhta abhiyan (cleanliness drive). them as they are projecting themselves as biggest
nationalists unmindful of the fact that their
Currently major concerted efforts are being made to nationalism is Hindu Nationalism and not Indian
highlight Ambedkar. There are statements that Nationalism (14). They want to derive legitimacy
Ambedkar and Hedgewars’ (The founder and first from Savarkars’ initial anti British role. The later
supreme leader of RSS) values were similar, both part of Savarkar where he kept aloof from freedom
were against untouchability for example. RSS movements is the exact way in which RSS also kept
mouthpiece Organiser (English) and Panchjanya aloof from freedom movement.
(Hindi) have come out with the special supplements
on the life of Ambedkar, presenting his teachings in At another level they want to contrast Patel with
a distorted manner to create the illusion that there Nehru. It is meant to undermine Nehru. Patel and
was similarity between the teachings of RSS Nehru, both were close allies on most of the issues
ideology of HIndutva and Ambedkars values. (13) related to freedom movement, both were the major
Ambedkar had contributed in various ways for followers of Gandhi, who was their mentor and they
social justice and democratic values and struggle for were collaborating with each other in the national
annihilation of caste was the foremost amongst the movement and later as part of the first Cabinet of
movements launched by him. Incidentally one need Independent India. RSS combine cannot swallow
to recall that in contrast to Ambedkars Annihilation the uncompromising stand taken by Nehru during
of caste, RSS has floated and organization called his long years of Prime Minister-ship on the issues
‘Samajik Samrasta Manch’ (Social Harmony Forum) of secularism and his long association with these
which works for bringing harmony between castes principles in a forthright way so they want to
without challenging the very existence of caste, contrast him with Patel, who was also a deeply
which was the prime motive of Ambedkar. secular person.
One can see two trends in the exercise being done At another level there are some in-house icons
by the RSS combine. On one hand since RSS never which are propped up or are undermined. RSS
participated in the freedom struggle as an second Sarsanghchalak Golwalkar has been a great
organization, it has no icon to present as a freedom influence on generations of RSS workers. His book,
fighter. This is why they have to stretch their myth ‘We or Nationhood defined’, shaped the thought
making to project Savarkar as being a freedom process of many of them. He went to the extent of
fighter. The case of Savarkar is peculiar. He was upholding Hitler’s method and type of nationalism
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Modi Sarkar: Unfolding of Hindutva Agenda
expounded by him. His book used to be available in At another level they have been projecting
RSS shops for long time. One of his quotes sums up Deendayal Upadhayay as the major figure.
the RSS ideology very well, writes Golwalkar Deendayal Upadhdyay is the ideologue who had
“German national pride has now become the topic coined “integral humanism’ as the concept, this
of the day. To keep up the purity of nation and its essentially talks about upholding status quo of
culture, Germany shocked the world by her purging social relations of caste in particular. This is done to
the country of semitic races-The Jews. National give a subtle message of deeper agenda of the RSS
pride at its highest has been manifested here. politics. The play with the icons goes with the long
Germany has also shown how neigh impossible it is term program of the cultural and social
for races and cultures, having differences going to manipulation for building a society with the
the root, to be assimilated into one united whole, a hegemony of Hindutva politics, a politics which
good lesson for us in Hindustan to learn and profit derives its name from a religion but at core is the
by. (15). From more than a decade ago RSS started political agenda of elite of the Hindu society,
feeling embarrassed about this due to electoral- irrespective of the fact that some from the lower
political compulsions and started making strata of society are also co-opted for this political
arguments that this book was not written by agenda. It’s due to this that RSS focuses a lot on
Golwalkar. It was withdrawn from market. Here propagating the culture of a variety which is
electoral expediency shaped their decision. sectarian and backward looking, the agenda of
Hindu Nationalism.
***
Chapter 5
Is ‘Hindu’ Our National Identity?
***
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Modi Sarkar: Unfolding of Hindutva Agenda
Chapter 6
How Is Ghar Vapasi Different From Forcible
Conversions?
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Modi Sarkar: Unfolding of Hindutva Agenda
the work of RSS, it is clear that the RSS has grown influence of Sufi saints, at whose Dargaha the
strategic, according to RSS ideologue. untouchables could also visit. Since even today one
fourth of the population holds to the norms of
As per this ideologue this move of RSS is a smart untouchablity, it is not surprising that some
one too. It seems to have triggered a debate on dominated castes do keep deciding to leave the fold
conversions which it has been asking for decades of Hinduism, as was proclaimed by Dr. Ambedkar,
but was evaded by its critics. While communal who left Hinduism with proclamation that ‘I was
elements are crying hoarse that Meenaxipuram has born a Hindu; that was not in my hands, but I will
been the act of conversions through petro dollars not die a Hindu.”
and the Christian missionaries are doing conversion
though foreign money, the truth of the matter is The conversions to Christianity did not begin with
somewhat different. Meenaxipuram conversion was the coming of British as propagated by some.
triggered by humiliation of the dalit youth by the Christianity is centuries old, entering India with the
upper caste. While the propaganda that Christian coming of St Thomas in the first century. Some
missionaries are doing forcible conversions is on doubt this version and hold that Christianity came
the peak the fact is that no evidence of the here in fifth century. The Christian missionaries
application of force has been generally reported. It have been working here in the neglected Adivasi
is also true that while some sects of Christian do areas providing the health and educational services,
claim that they are converting; the majority sects the appeal of which prompted many Adivasis-Dalits
affirm that when the conversion is sought by to embrace this religion. It is only from last six
someone in the society and only under that decades that communal forces have been showing
voluntary request the conversion if at all takes their discomfort of Missionaries working in the
place. Interestingly as many people have started Adivasi-village areas violence has been more in
believing that the missionaries are converting the those areas. Not to forget here is the point that
population of Christians has been shown a marginal many Christian institutions are located in cities,
decline during last few decades as per census where all sections of society vie to send their
figures (1971-2.60, 1982-2.44. 1991-2.34, 2001 - children. One can also concede that a few of these
2.30 and 2.30 in 2011) The Wadhwa Commission, missions may be aiming for conversions through
which was appointed by the then home minister their prayer and healing services. The question of
L.K.Advani in the after math of the burning of Pastor allurement and fraud, if at all, may be a small
Stains points out that Pastor was not involved in the component of the phenomenon of conversion to
work of conversions and that in Keonjhar in Christianity. Most of the attacks and accusations
Manoharpur of Orissa, the percentage of Christians which took place against Christian missionaries
has shown fair stability, or an statistical were when they were holding prayer meetings. The
insignificant rise in the percentage of Christian money they receive comes through proper FCRA
population during the time Pastor Stains was channel, and many NGOs including the
working there. organizations like RSS also receive foreign funds to
be sure.
How have conversion taken place in India? We can
examine this in two stages. In medieval period as Now the assertion is that what RSS affiliates do is a
far as conversion to Islam is concerned it took place Ghar vapasi! They claim so many things which are a
mainly due to the caste oppression, as pointed out pure political concoction. The voluntary
by Swami Vivekananda "Why amongst the poor of conversions have very much been a part of caste
India so many are Mohammadens? It is nonsense to ridden Indian society. It is another matter that even
say that they were converted by the sword. It was the Christian and Muslim communities could not
to gain liberty from Zamindars and Priests....." remain free from this caste virus, but the hope of
(Collected Works- Vol. 8- Page 330). Surely a small the dominated castes to get social justice has played
section did convert to Islam due to anticipation for a major role in changing one’s faith. The RSS claim
reward by Muslim kings, a smaller section due to that the ancestors of all these converts are Hindus
fear and a substantial chunk due to the social has no relevance in the debate. How is ancestry
interaction as seen in the Muslims of Malabar coast important in one’s faith and the citizenship today?
and the Muslims of Mewat. Major conversion to Do we have to trace our ancestry to decide today’s
Islam during medieval time was due to the faith? Where will this lead us? The theory of
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Modi Sarkar: Unfolding of Hindutva Agenda
evolution apart from the latest DNA studies show goes on to write, “This is what the reporter has put
that human’s beginning is from South Africa. The in my mouth… All that I can say is that it is a
coming of Aryans to India from Arctic zone travesty of what I have always said and held.” He
(Lokmanya Tilak) to that Aryans were original goes on to explain, “I am, then, not against
inhabitants of India is a perpetual debate, with conversion. But I am against the modern methods of
more heat than light in it. it. Conversions nowadays have become a matter of
business, like any other… Every nation considers its
What was the religion of Nomads-Pagans? Some own faith to be as good as that of any other.
social scientists call it Indigenous culture, rather Certainly the great faiths held by the people of India
than religion for the phenomenon which was and is are adequate for her people. India stands in no need
practiced by indigenous (Adivasi) people all over of conversions from one faith to another.” And then
the World. Society is always changing. As caste he goes on to list the faiths of India, “Apart from
system has been the central part of religion in India Christianity and Judaism, Hinduism and its
many of the dominated castes regularly kept offshoots, Islam and Zoroastrianism are living
leaving Hinduism to opt for other religions, Jainism, faiths.”
Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Sikhism. People
felt that they are not getting equality and so kept As Gandhi opposed the divisive agenda of
leaving the Hindu fold and embracing other communal forces, which were using identity of
religions. After Lord Buddha’s teachings a large religions for political purpose, Gandhi in contrast
chunk of people became Buddhists in the sub was harping on ‘morality’ of religions to unite the
continent. It is another matter that later in the people. So while he was leading the anti colonial
Brahminical reaction, Buddhism was wiped out struggle the communalists were spitting fire against
from here. Many felt that the missions are doing the ‘other community’ and ‘Shuddhi’ (Arya Samaj)
service to their community so they changed their and Tanjim (Tablighi Jammat) was part of their
faith. political agenda in the early part of twentieth
century. The Hindu religion is not a prophet based
The problem, which RSS projects is due to its being religion, so the concept of conversion is not there.
hung up to the values and system of past; pastoral, In most prophet based religions the call for
agricultural-feudal societies. The changes in social spreading the divine word is there. So earlier Arya
system accompany the changes in systems of Samaj coined the word Shuddhi, which was for
production and education in particular; are totally forcible conversion into Hinduism. RSS improvised
missing in its world view. India came into being on that and has coined the word Ghar Vapasi as a
through the freedom struggle led by Mahatma clever move to hide its ‘forcible conversion drive’.
Gandhi, who could unite the people of all religions Its claim that it is undertaking Ghar vapasi to bring
as he treated all religions on equal ground. For him, the religious minorities in the mainstream is again a
there is no distinction between foreign and Native hoax as minorities had been equal participants in
religions. the movement for India’s freedom, a struggle from
which RSS remained aloof, barring one exception.
Unfortunately Gandhi is quoted extensively by Right To claim that adivasis are Hindus, is again does not
wing forces to oppose conversions; but his quotes hold water as Adivasis are animists, believing in
which are taken support are fragments of what he nature worship, and in the spirit of their ancestors
said. His major quote on conversion is from and spirit of Nature. All over the World indigenous
collected works, Volume XLVI p. 27-28. In an people hold similar belief and have similar practice.
interview dated 22nd March 1931, given to The This is unlike Hinduism where Gita, Ram and
Hindu, Gandhi apparently stated that “if in self Acharya are the core part of it belief today.
governing India, missionaries kept ‘proselytizing’
by means of medical aid, education etc., I would The central point is that RSS does not recognize
certainly ask them to withdraw. Every nation’s Indian nationalism and holds to Hindu nationalism
religion is as good as any other. Certainly India’s so the whole maneuver for this ‘forcible conversion’
religions are adequate for her people. We need no is being passed off as ‘Ghar Vapasi’ while dubbing
converting spirituality.” This is the first part of the other conversions as forcible. Rather than
quote and the lines that follow give the totally recognizing the qualitative change in the formation
opposite idea, the ideas, which Gandhi held. Gandhi of India as the nation state, it is stuck to the
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Modi Sarkar: Unfolding of Hindutva Agenda
pastoral-feudal-preindustrial society with the people that somebody is converting them. Where is
values of caste and gender hierarchy. The ‘Ghar the place for choice of one’s religion in a democratic
vapsi’ is being planned at larger scales. And an society believing in ‘freedom of religion and
intimidating and fraudulent atmosphere is being conscience’?
created to execute the forcible conversions. This is a
frightening message to religious minorities. This is a With RSS plans for a bigger conversion nay Ghar
clever manipulation of political power to violate the vapasi in Aligarh this Christmas (2014) the attempt
norms of Indian constitution. to polarize the society are being taken to a higher
pitch. The heroes of RSS parivar like Yogi
Then how do we distinguish between a forcible Adityanath are saying that those being subjected to
conversion and adoption of a new religion. In the ghar vapasi will be given the Gotra and caste from
present scheme of things if one leaves Hindu fold to which they converted! So come what may the caste
embrace Buddhism-Jainism-Sikhism, it is OK, as structure and rigidities remain and thrive. That’s
they are ‘Indian religions. For communalists what the agenda of nationalism in the name of
problem seems to be only with Islam and Hinduism is!
Christianity! The basic shrewdness is to call
religions as national or foreign. As such religions Do we need laws to ban conversions? We have laws
are basically universal not bound by national to punish those who indulge in force, fraud and
boundaries. allurement. What we need is to distinguish between
voluntary conversion and forced one’s. Ghar Vapasi
Constituent Assembly had discussed this thread is a shrewd name for forcible conversions. So what
bare and so the right to practice and propagate we need is the political and moral will to promote
one’s religion is very much there. In the debate the freedom of religion and punish the guilty, using
word used is ‘converting’ others. Where is the place illegal means to achieve the change of faith. The so
for people volunteering and adopting another called ‘Freedom of Religion’ bills are there not to
religion, like Ambedkar and so many others? In a provide freedom of conscience but to curb the same
way it is a way to undermine the conscience of by legal means.
***
Chapter 7
Liberal Society and Growing Intolerance
response to one particular incident but was a When Dr. Dabholkar, Com Pansare and then Prof
anguish being expressed against the growing Kalburgi were killed over a period of months, the
intolerance in the society. (20) danger signals started being perceived but still it
took the beef lynching of Mohammad Akhlaq and
Since then what has been puzzling was that instead burning of dalit children that led a perception in the
of doing introspection to these acts these citizens society and amongst all progressive liberal people
are were questioned as to why they did not do so that something has drastically changed in the
when emergency happened or anti Sikh violence society, and the spate of returning of Sahiya
took place or when the mass migration of Kashmiri Academy, National and state, awards followed in
pundits took place or when the Mumbai train blasts quick succession. Their protest was against the
killed hundreds of innocent lives. There is a need to rising intolerance in the society. The incidents that
think seriously as to what has happened precisely followed and ran parallel to these ‘award-returns’
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Modi Sarkar: Unfolding of Hindutva Agenda
were equally horrific. The killing of a trucker on the President Hamid Ansari reminded the Government
assumption that he is carrying cows for slaughter; that it is the duty of the state to uphold the ‘right to
beating of a MLA in Kashmir Assembly by BJP life’ of citizens. The index of the changing social
legislatures and the scattered incidents of attacks atmosphere is reflected by the statements of two
on Muslims on the ground of beef consumption are outstanding citizens of the country. Julio Reibero,
too striking. the top cop, expressed his pain and anguish by
saying that “as a Christian suddenly I feel stranger
The viciousness of atmosphere is not lost on the in my own country.”(22) And the renowned actor
social perceptions. The insecurity of minorities has Naseeruddin Shah had to point out that “Have never
gone up by leaps and bounds. One knows that since been aware of my identity as a Muslim until now.”
the present NDA regime came to power all those
‘spewing hate’ are working overtime. For one These are not ordinary times. The values of
Akbaruddudin Owaisi there is an army of Sakshi pluralism and tolerance have been pushed to the
Mahraj, Sadhvis, Yogis and what have you. This margins. With this Government in power all the
army of mostly saffron robed or the one’s with the wings of communal politics, the RSS affiliates, have
association with Hindu Nationalist politics has high unleashed themselves in full blast. Communalism is
position within their political combine, what is not just the number of deaths due to violence, it is
known as Sangh Parivar. The prime Minister much more. The foundation of this violence begins
himself had exerted the Hindu youth to emulate with the manufacture of perceptions about the
Maharana Pratap to save the honor of Mother cow religious minorities. These perceptions based on
during the election speeches. Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, history and some selective aspects of present
the BJP’s Muslim face advised those wanting to eat society are given an anti human tilt and
beef to go to Pakistan. interpretation. This is used to create hatred for the
minorities and that’s where the communal elements
Even after the awards started being returned the can unleash violence either as a massive violence
BJP leadership looked down upon the like Gujarat or Mumbai or Bhagalpur or
writers/scholars and overlooked the phenomenon Muzzafarnagar or the one in Dadri. This creates the
which has lead to returning of awards. To mock divides in society which over a period of time is
these writers Buddhi Shuddhi puja path converted into polarization. And polarization is the
(purification of intellect ritual) has been organized foundation of electoral strength of party wanting a
and BJP spokespersons are humiliating them in talk nation in the name of religion. As per Yale study, the
shows with all their ferocity. (21) To cap it all the communal violence is the vehicle which strengthens
Haryana Chief Minister, an old RSS pracharak, said BJP at electoral level.
that Muslims can live here but only if they will give
up beef eating. And lately the minister Gen V.K. The present combination of the Government guided
Singh has accused that those protesting against by the ideology of Hindu nationalism and the ‘fringe
intolerance are doing it for money. No doubt the BJP elements’ having same ideology, has a vast network
Chief Amit Shah has talked to some of these leaders and with a wide reach. This party has the advantage
behind the close doors, but that does seem to be a that mostly it does not have to dirty its hands in the
mock drill as the leaders concerned did say that local agenda of sectarian nationalism, and so there
they went to meet their chief for some other are many elements which can do the local work for
reasons and none of them gave any serious apology. dividing the society. The so called fringe elements
now are occupying the center stage, and so the
Disturbed by what is going on, the President Pranab ‘qualitative change’ in the situation. The flood of
Mukherjee on three occasions urged the nation to awards being returned is due to the situation
uphold, pluralism, the core civilizational value of created by deeper communalization of society. This
the country and to uphold tolerance. The Vice is manifested in growing intolerance, attack on
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Modi Sarkar: Unfolding of Hindutva Agenda
plurality and is leading to the insecurity of earlier limits. The question is how to uphold the
minorities, which has qualitatively transcended the values of Indian Constitution in the current times?
***
Chapter 8
Rohith Vemula: Hindutva Politics and Dalit
Question Today
being dalit and his participation in Ambedkar The ABVP, which nationally has become
Students Association (ASA) and active contribution hyperactive since the Modi Sarkar came to power
to this politically vibrant dalit group is the major (May 2014) opposed all these issues as a part of
cause of his death. Apart from issues directly their Hindu nationalist agenda. The freedom of
related to dalits, this association did raise the issues expression in the academic campuses is very basic
related to democratic rights which are relevant in a democratic society. ABVP, the student’s wing of
today, like beef eating, opposition to death penalty; RSS, could not digest the dalit group taking up
as was given to Mumbai blast accuses Yakub issues related to secularism and democracy. The
Memon and went on to screen the film cause of Vemula’s death becomes clear in the light
Muzzafarnagar Baki hai. This film on of the issues raised by ASA. Rohith’s own
understanding on these issues becomes clear from
his face book posts on these issues. For example
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Modi Sarkar: Unfolding of Hindutva Agenda
let’s see what he wrote on beef issue, “Eating beef his four friends were penalized; their scholarship
and celebrating beef eating is an act of solidarity was stopped and they were evicted from hostel.
with all those who are getting murdered on this
reason nationwide. If we fail to see the fact that the From his letter to the present Vice Chancellor (VC)
BJP-RSS-VHP scheme of anti-beef campaign is asking for dalit students being given poison and a
essentially a tool to persecute Muslim minorities in rope, what comes to surface is that the VC with his
this country, we would regret for being the mute authoritarian anti dalit orientation, deliberately
spectators of another mass unrest in OUR ignored the letter, leading to this tragedy. The
COUNTRY. The whole cow myth is less anti-Dalit response to Rohith’s death from the ruling
today and more of anti-Muslim propaganda.” (23) dispensation has been very revealing of the politics
which they espouse. Mr. Dattatreya, in tandem with
His understanding of the deeper democratic the local ABVP, termed the ASA activities as being
politics, not being restricted to so-called dalit issues ‘den of casteist, extremists and anti-national
is more than obvious here. The issues of politics’. MHRD minister true to her mindset
marginalized sections- dalits, Adivasis, women and asserted that it is not a dalit issue while some
workers and religious minorities are deeply others doubted Rohith being a dalit, as his mother
interwoven with each other. He is very right that was a dalit but father was OBC. This was to
today the issue of beef eating is raised on emotive undermine the intense injustices due to which
pitch mainly to intimidate and target the Muslim Rohith had to take his life. A small video, trying to
minorities, irrespective of the fact that other create sensation, is being circulated on the social
sections of society also consume it in good measure. media. This video is trying to present Rohith as
The issue of Muzzafar nagar film is also related to being a supporter of terrorists’.
Muslim minorities at one level. At deeper level it is a
part of communal politics, which wants to polarize In the TV debates the RSS-BJP spokespersons are
the community along religious lines to impose coming down heavily on the anti national; casteist
Hindu nationalism which is against the concept of politics. To cap it all the timing and nature of
rights as such. At yet another level his participation expression from Prime Minster says it all. Mr. Modi
in the protest to oppose the death penalty to who generally is a very vocal person; he does not
terrorism accused Yakub Memon; is more from the keep quiet on issues which expose his agenda of
angle of humanism; opposition to death penalty as Hindutva. His earlier being quiet for long on the
such. There is a global movement to oppose the lynching of Mohammad Akhlaq is a case in point. In
death penalty irrespective of the nature of crime Rohith’s case also after five days of being quiet, he
and those with deeper humane values worldwide artificially tried to present a tear jerker, ‘Ma Bharati
and in India do support the abolition of death has lost a son’, while his party men, cabinet
penalty. It was not an act of supporting terrorism in colleague, have been calling him anti national. This
any way. was Modi’s way of putting under the carpet the
underlying issue of anti dalit atrocities, the anti dalit
Annoyed by these secular democratic Human stance of the University administration, BJP M.P. Mr.
positions taken by ASA, ABVP did come to clash Dattatreya, MHRD ministry and ABVP whose joint
with ASA at ideological level. ABVP president actions has caused this death.
Susheel Kumar complained that he was beaten up.
According to the first committee which investigated In a way the whole issue shows the dilemma of
this alleged physical assault the complaint was Hindutva politics. On one hand it is intensifying the
baseless. With the change of Vice Chancellor the activities aimed at opposing secular values,
matters started changing. The pressure of BJP intensifying intimidation of dalits-minorities and
central minister B.Dattatrey backed up by the opposing the voices standing for democratic values.
authority of MHRD minister Smriti Irani, Rohith and With Modi sarkar coming to power all the RSS
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Modi Sarkar: Unfolding of Hindutva Agenda
combine organizations have got a shot in the arms. particular disease; first recognize it so that it can be
They are getting a strong political patronage to dealt with, ignoring caste issues or keeping quiet
oppose other political tendencies. We have earlier about it means that they want the present caste
seen the role of Central Government in equations to continue.
unsuccessfully banning Ambedkar Periya Study
Circle in IIT Madras. (24) In most of the academic Mr. Prime Minster in his Ambedkar University
campuses the communal student groups have address, before moistening his eyes, was lecturing
become more assertive, knowing full well that the the students that they should emulate Ambedkar
authorities in charge are either pro Hindutva or who endured insults and humiliation without
they will buckle under the pressure from the top to complaint. Similar thing was stated by Mr. Rajnath
implement BJP agenda. Pursuing the campaigns for Singh also. One recalls that Prof. Y. Sudarshan Rao
social justice is being opposed very strongly. In the who was earlier the Chairman of ICHR, appointed
same direction their; RSS progeny Samajik by this Government also defended caste hierarchy
Samrasta Manch; is very active. What is being said by saying that nobody complained against it. So on
is that they don’t believe in caste, all castes are one side there is an attempt to appropriate
equal! What it means is that they want to overlook Ambedkar as Hindutva icon, and on the other
the caste issue as they want to retain caste Hindutva agenda of preserving caste hierarchy is
hierarchy in newer situation by using more subtle being rolled out through the concrete interventions
expressions. Those who want to eradicate a by different affiliates of Hindu nationalism.
***
Chapter 9
Undermining Democracy: Stifling Academic
Institutions
State Repression of JNUSU and unleashing of street Violence
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Modi Sarkar: Unfolding of Hindutva Agenda
targeted by the ruling Modi Sarkar. The frightening by lawyers the next day also and when Kanhaiya
things which happened in HCU were just part of was being brought to court he was also beaten.
attack on autonomy of universities, on the free
thinking in a democracy. Rohith was forced to kill Now what is happening is a blatant attack by RSS
himself by the machinations of ABVP, which had controlled ABVP-BJP to crush the democratic
brought pressure through a BJP MP on the ministry secular voices in the country. As in Rohith Vemula
to get Rohith expelled from hostel and to stop his case the ABVP, has become emboldened to call all
fellowship. Similarly the local ABVP unit brought those opposing their politics as anti national and
pressure through its usual channels to intimidate are getting the state support to intimidate the
and stifle the democratically elected student union voices for social justice; the progressive voices. BJP
in JNU. related organizations are creating a mass hysteria
around ‘Anti national’. All those who don’t endorse
It is alleged that in JNU some anti India; Pro- the ‘RSS promoted Hindutva nationalism’ are being
Pakistan slogans were shouted. There are confusing called as anti national.
versions as to who did it. Some doctoring of videos
is also part of the game unleashed to stifle All this is a big erosion of the values and practices
democratic freedoms. On the pretext of that which India has been nourishing. RSS combine is
Kanhiaya Kumar, the president of the JNUSU was seeing this as an opportunity to wipe out all the
arrested and the charges of sedition were slapped norms and ethos of democratic culture and
on him. Now Kumar is a member of AISF, the dissenting voices. It is a matter of shame that the
student wing of CPI, which is opposed to the police lacks the spine and professionalism and
separatist-pro Pakistan stance and in no way can he arrests the likes of Kanhaiya Kumar.
be part of type of slogan shouting which is The argument has been uniformly spoken by the
supposed to have taken place. The original video Delhi lawyers taking law in their hands to those
also makes it clear. He neither shouted the slogans indulging in violence, from the ministers and top
nor can anybody be arrested on the charge of BJP leaders to those indulging in street violence.
shouting slogans. The constitutional position as The second observation is that JNU students have
clarified by noted lawyer Soli Sorabjee is that been demonized through the propaganda as being
incitement to violence alone can be termed anti- anti National, and JNU being the den of anti India
National. (25) activities. One recalls that all this demonization of
How come Delhi police enter the campus? The Vice JNU has started with this Government coming to
chancellor, a BJP appointee, is indulging in double power. The RSS affiliates, VHP etc have been taking
speak on the issue. On TV he stated that he will be the marches to JNU gate to protest against the anti
the last person to call police in the campus. The National JNU students and faculty.
investigation shows that he wrote letters to police Both these arguments show the deeper agenda in a
calling them to take suitable action. Delhi police, way. The anti national rhetoric has been created to
working under Home Minister Rajnath Singh; went generate a mass hysteria against those disagreeing
on recklessly to put the charge of sedition against with BJP politics. The resorting to violence on this
Kumar. The lawyers in the court indulged in pretext clearly shows that this is a concerted effort
violence against those who looked like JNU to browbeat the practices and ideas which are not
students. One BJP MLA is involved in mercilessly in keeping with the RSS-BJP mindset. This hysteria
beating up a CPI activist. This MLA also said that has been created to distract the attention from the
had he got the gun he would have shot those raising social movement building up around the death of
anti India slogans. One journalist was also attacked Rohith Vemula. The all round anger on the Rohith
by BJP supporters. The same violence was repeated issue had put the BJP on the back foot. This creation
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Modi Sarkar: Unfolding of Hindutva Agenda
of mass hysteria around anti India slogans has been secular values. The concerted move by the ruling
created and is leading to street violence. This is an dispensation and its political associates’ to create a
attempt on the part of BJP associates to wrest the mass hysteria around anti-Nationalism and to erode
initiative away from the movement which is the image of a progressive institution like JNU is as
building around Rohith. Apart from the attempt to such an attack on the principles of democracy in the
abolish autonomy of universities this is also an country. (26)
attempt to sidetrack the issue of Dalits. The latter
has also been reflected in the resignation of three The issue remains whether the mass hysteria and
office bearers of ABVP of JNU. These office bearers the street violence which has been unleashed on the
in their letter point out their dissatisfaction with the pretext of anti India slogans can be brought under
Government-BJP-ABVP interference in JNU affairs control? The massive rallies of the students
and their attitude of undermining the dalit issue as demanding the release of Kumar, demanding that
reflected in their attitude to the death of Rohith. government should not interfere in autonomy of
universities and opposing the demonization of JNU
The demonization of JNU again is on purpose. This drew a massive response. ABVP and family in a
institute has reflected the democratic spirit, the recalcitrant manner is mobilizing all through the
freedom of thought, and the progressive values, all country to protest against ‘Anti nationalism’. All
of which are an anathema to the agenda those who were part of the JNU students meeting
represented by ABVP-BJP. They want to abolish the and of JNU have condemned the anti-India pro
autonomy of academic institutions as reflected in Pakistan slogans. The need is to take up the struggle
their policies in case of FTTI, IIT Madras, IIT Delhi for preserving democratic values to the masses.
and HCU to name the few. JNU was a particular
target due to its outstanding contribution to high
level of scholarship and adherence to progressive
***
Chapter 10
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Modi Sarkar: Unfolding of Hindutva Agenda
T he national scene is being dominated by the
current ‘you must chant Barat Mata ki jai’ to
prove your nationalism. This was preceded by the
was made a part of his novel Anand Math. This
novel has strong anti Muslim rhetoric. This song
was popular with a section of society, but Muslim
‘Anti national' abuse being hurled on all those League strongly objected to the song, as the song
showing dissent with the present regime. These two compares India with Goddess Durga. Islam being
major issues have been propped up in the recent monotheistic religion does not recognize any other
times and these are trying to undermine the core God-Goddess than Allah. Many others belonging to
issue of the state’s onslaught on University monotheistic religions also had problem with this
autonomy, from the issues where the state is trying song. (27)
to displace the democratic ethos and from failure to
keep the pre-election promises. This is an attempt In 1937, the 'Song committee' of the Indian National
to prop up a new emotive issue to add to the array Congress with Nehru and Maulana Abul Kalam
of emotive issues already manufactured by the amongst others as members selected Jana Gana
communal forces. Mana as the national anthem and picked up first
two stanzas of Vande Matram as national song,
This was thrown up by RSS patriarch Mohan leaving out other stanzas, which had imagery of
Bhagwat when he said early March 2016 that "Now Hindu goddess.
the time has come when we have to tell the new
generation to chant '*Bharat Mata Ki Jai'* (Hail Similarly Bharat Mata ki Jai was one amongst many
Mother India). Armed with this cue Asadduddin slogans to exhort the people during freedom
Owaisi the MP from Hyderabad and leader of the movement. Other slogans were Jai Hind, Inquilab
MIM, suo motto came forward with provocative Jindabad and Allaho Akbar. The response of
denial to chant this slogan. He did say he has no communities have not been uniform to these
problems with shouting Jai Hind. This was a slogans.
statement parallel and opposite to the spirit of While some Muslim groups will not chant Vande
Bhagwat's statement. Mataram, the others will freely chant the same and
Some Muslim sects have been feeling that Vande one of the most beautiful tune on this has been
Mataram and by extension Bharat Mata ki Jai means composed by none other than A. R. Rahman, Ma
bowing to Goddess mother, something which is Tujhe Salam.
opposed to their understanding of Islam. Same applies to Bharat Mata Ki Jai. Javed Akhtar
Accordingly some of them refuse the use of both chanted it time and over again in Rajya Sabha, while
these slogans. In a way Bharat Mata ki Jai is an condemning the attitude of Owaisi. Akhtar was
extension of the ‘Vande Matram Kahna Hoga’ quiet on whether someone should be forced to
assertion from the aggressive sections, expressing chant such slogans in the first place. The jugal bandi
the politics of right wing. (duet) of RSS-BJP on the one side and MIM, Owaisi
One recalls in the aftermath of 92-93 post carnage on the other is clear. Owaisi had no business to
in Mumbai those participating peace marches were respond to Bhagwat’s comments, as they don’t hold
intimidated to shout Vande Matram by Shiv Sena any water in the eyes of the law of the land. He
elements. Shiv Sena assertion was 'Is Desh mein merely was playing the game of inciting the mob to
Rahna hai to Vande Matram Kahna Hoga' (If you polarize the communities. This helps the agenda of
want to stay in this country, you will have to shout RSS-MIM. Both are a perfect foil to each other.
Vande Mataram). This game of advising-shouting of slogans has been
Song Vande Matram has a complex history. It was preceded by the scene where anti National label has
written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and, later been hurled on JNU students, who had organized
meeting to oppose death penalty to Afzal Guru.
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Modi Sarkar: Unfolding of Hindutva Agenda
There are many dimensions of this issue and there promote emotive issues. BJP’s hypocrisy on this
are many elements in the student community who issue stands exposed as on one side it raises
do stand for autonomy of Kashmir as was promised temperature in Delhi and on the other it allies with
in article 370, the treaty of accession. political parties who challenge many of the things
enshrined in our Constitution.
The meeting at JNU had multiple slogan and the
most horrendous slogans were shouted by the The matters are clear. RSS-BJP’s central politics is to
masked students. The CD which showed the polarize the communities by raising emotive issues.
students like Kanhaiya Kumar shouting Azadi Right since its inception RSS on one side kept itself
slogans was a doctored one as the truth has come aloof from the process of ‘Nation formation’ (India
out by now. Here there are twin issues. One, there is is a nation in the making). That was the time many
no investigation as to who doctored the video and social groups and formations were associating with
two why the masked youth have not been freedom movement and in turn becoming part of
apprehended? That apart; hurling anti National Nation building. RSS talked exclusively of Hindu
slogans on JNU students and labeling JNU as a den Society and propped up emotive issues of temple
of anti national activities has been engineered by destruction, bravery of Hindu kings, greatness of
the state and by BJP combine. Hindu system (which has caste and gender
hierarchy built into it). It did not recognize tricolor
Interestingly when 'anti national' rhetoric is being as Indian flag and in due course propped up issues
used so liberally for those dissenting with the related to cow slaughter, beef eating, Indianization
Government, the hypocrisy of the situation is very of Muslims, Ram Temple, Ghar Wapasi and love
revealing. On one hand 'pro Kashmir autonomy' and jihad. Now two more issues have been added to the
those opposing death penalty are being dubbed anti list, anti nationalism, and Bharat mata ki Jai.
national by BJP associates while at the same time
BJP had a coalition government with PDP, Its’ only by keeping up emotive issues alive that
Mahbooba Mufti’s party in Kashmir. PDP regards society can be polarized on one hand and the issues
Afzal Guru as a hero and martyr. While The related to deeper societal concerns can be kept at
intensity of attack is directed at JNU, similar slogans bay. Such emotive issues are used to distract the
have been part of daily life of sections of Kashmiri social forces from the core issues of the
people from many decades. Lo and behold BJP also downtrodden sections of the society. In
has an electoral alliance with Akali Dal who uphold contemporary times the types of concern raised by
Anand Pur Sahib resolution calling for autonomous Rohith Vemula and Kanhaiya Kumar have drawn
Sikh state of Khalisthan. the focus to the real issues of dalits, farmers suicide,
betrayal of promises by Modi Sarkar to name a few.
Let's recall the in North East the integration process
to 'Indian Nation' has seen many bumps and With Bharat Mata Ki Jai the emotive pitch is on the
separatism has been part of the process running peak along with attempts to erase Rohith Vemula
along with integration process on the other. from public memory.
Summing Up
As the matters stand it is becoming clear that all the the protection and support from ruling government.
wings of RSS are in full action. They are getting all The RSS progeny which has come to most
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Modi Sarkar: Unfolding of Hindutva Agenda
prominence is ABVP, which has been in the lime values. The most heartening thing of recent times is
light in different educational campuses. Its direction that the students of different political persuasions,
is to oppose the secular, plural and democratic Ambedkarite-left-socialists are coming together on
activities in the campuses as witnessed in the democratic platform. This upsurge of youth is a
Hyderabad Central University, Allahabad University guide to the national movement as a whole
and JNU in particular. reminding us of the need for all anti-communal
forces to come together at social and political level
HCU and JNU in particular tell us as to how brazenly to oppose the rising tide of authoritarianism in the
ABVP can assert itself on the issues related to name of religion-Hindutva. While the electoral
pluralism and democracy, with due support from experiment in Bihar has given the first respite, the
ruling party. Incidents have also revealed the students are providing the ground for march of the
attacks on dalits and other democratic formations movement to protect democracy.
are possible by ABVP as it has the protective cover
of the authorities who have been chosen based on We are in for challenging times. There are attacks
their loyalty to Hindutva ideology. and there is hope. We definitely can look forward to
a united platform of all forces believing in the
On one hand we have this imposition of RSS values of Indian Constitution to come together and
ideology, on the other students and youth have preserve the values of the same.
come forward to defend the mantle of progressive
***
References:
1. http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/modi-is-narcissistic-running-one-man-government-says-arun-
shourie/1/660804.html
2. (http://www.onislam.net/english/news/asia-pacific/475865-india-set-to-saffronize-school-
curriculum.html)
3. http://www.countercurrents.org/puniyani300714.htm
4. (Modi and Hindutva footprints - Editorial, Kashmir Times Kashmir Times - Monday, July 28, 2014)
5. http://www.caravanmagazine.in/reportage/rss-30#sthash.GmBGCZLQ.dpuf
6. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/BJP-MP-Sakshi-Maharaj-calls-Nathuram-Godse-a-patriot-
retracts/articleshow/45484389.cms
7. http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-now-yogi-adityanath-says-non-hindus-should-be-barred-in-
har-ki-pauri-in-haridwar-2077511
8. http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/if-no-law-would-have-cut-the-heads-of-
those-who-dont-say-bharat-mata-ki-jai-ramdev/
9. http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/next-door-to-delhi-mob-kills-50-year-old-injures-
son-over-rumours-they-ate-beef/
10. http://dalitrightsgujarat.blogspot.in/2012_12_01_archive.html
11. http://www.amazon.in/Holy-Cow-Indian-Political-Chessboard/dp/9374956004
12. http://www.outlookindia.com/blog/story/nehru-solely-responsible-for-partition-godse-chose-wrong-
target-rss-mouthpiece/3419
13. http://www.sacw.net/article11092.html
14. http://www.countercurrents.org/puniyani240713.htm
15. M.S. Golwalkar, We or Our nationhood Defined P. 27, Nagpur 1938
16. http://www.firstpost.com/politics/india-hindu-nation-im-christian-hindu-goa-dy-cm-francis-dsouza-
1634437.html
17. http://www.caravanmagazine.in/reportage/rss-30#sthash.GmBGCZLQ.dpuf
Page | 29
Modi Sarkar: Unfolding of Hindutva Agenda
18. http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/champions-of-reconversion-dominate-amid-debate-over-gujarat-
violence-against-christians/1/252973.html
19. http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/hindu-outfits-accused-of-converting-muslims-
in-agra/article6677665.ece
20. http://www.thehindu.com/specials/civil-society-express-their-concern-over-rising-
intolerance/article7844951.ece
21. http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2015/10/19/buddhi-shuddhi-puja-authors_n_8328488.html
22. http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/i-feel-i-am-on-a-hit-list/
23. http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-dalit-student-s-suicide-all-we-know-about-rohith-vemula-s-
death-2167428
24. http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/following-protests-iitm-lifts-ban-on-study-
circle/article7292038.ece
25. http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/anti-national-slogans-are-not-sedition-says-former-attorney-
general-sorabjee/1/596950.htmlhttp://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/anti-national-slogans-are-not-
sedition-says-former-attorney-general-sorabjee/1/596950.html
26. http://www.ndtv.com/opinion/can-india-really-not-cope-with-a-few-anti-national-slogans-1278410
27. http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/why-muslims-reject-vande-mataram/story-
rRNDm0d1waQ3FCfew9IhxJ.html
Selected Bibliography
2. Nilofar Suharawardy, Image and Substance: Modi’s First Year in Office- Pharos Media Delhi, 2015
4. Shamsul Islam, A Critique of Golwalkar’s ‘We or our Nationhood defined’, Pharos Media, 2011
6. L.S. Hardenia, RSS Ideology: greatest danger for Democracy, Bhopal, 2014
7. Ram Puniyani, Indian Nationalism versus Hindu Nationalism, Pharos Media, 2016
8. Ram Puniyani, Holy Cow: Indian Political Chessboard (Edited), Media House Delhi 2015
9. Ram Puniyani, Ghar Wapsi, Conversions and Freedom of Religion (Edited), Media House Delhi 2015
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