As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) marks its centenary, the Congress party has invoked excerpts from Pyarelal’s book to assert that Mahatma Gandhi characterized the RSS as a ‘communal body with a totalitarian outlook’. This assertion comes amidst renewed discussions on the role of organizations like the RSS in Indian polity.
On Thursday, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted Gandhi’s views during an exchange with a colleague dating back to September 12, 1947. He pointed out that Pyarelal served as Gandhi’s personal aide for nearly three decades, later becoming his secretary after Mahadev Desai’s death.
“Pyarelal’s works on Gandhi are essential references for understanding the Mahatma’s philosophy and political observations,” Ramesh stated. The first volume of his landmark work, titled ‘Mahatma Gandhi: The Last Phase’, was published in 1956 under the auspices of Navajivan Publishing House in Ahmedabad. This book featured an introduction by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the then President of India.
Notably, the second volume which followed two years later also includes significant insights into Gandhi’s perspectives. On page 440 of this volume, Ramesh cited, Pyarelal reveals Gandhi’s critical remark regarding the RSS, emphasizing his concerns regarding its ideological stance.
Additionally, Ramesh criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent praise for the RSS, reminding him of Sardar Patel’s caution concerning the organization’s impact on the political climate preceding Gandhi’s assassination.
“Following PM Modi’s commendation of the RSS’s contributions, it is crucial to recall what Sardar Patel articulated in a letter to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee dated July 18, 1948,” Ramesh noted in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
In this letter, Patel cautioned against the activities of the RSS and Hindu Mahasabha, emphasizing the escalating threats they posed, particularly in relation to Gandhi’s murder. Patel stated, ‘Our reports confirm that, as a result of the activities of these two bodies, particularly the former, an atmosphere was created in the country in which such a ghastly tragedy became possible’.
Patel also expressed concern over the resurgence of RSS activities even after a government ban, warning that they were becoming increasingly defiant.
In a further attempt to highlight this historical context, Ramesh referenced Patel’s public address in Jaipur on December 19, 1948, where he vocally opposed the RSS.
The ongoing dialogue surrounding the RSS has gained momentum following Prime Minister Modi’s remarks during the centenary celebrations of the RSS held on Wednesday. He commended the organization for its unwavering commitment to nation-building despite enduring criticism.
The Congress’s strategic reference to Gandhi’s words illustrates a persistent ideological battle in Indian politics, where historical narratives serve to shape contemporary public opinions.
