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The statement by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat regarding the Sangh's stance on the Kashi and Mathura movements carries significant weight in the socio-political landscape of India. While the RSS officially supported the Ram Mandir movement in Ayodhya, Bhagwat clarified that the organization would not be directly involved in similar campaigns concerning the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi and the Shahi Idgah mosque in Mathura. However, he also emphasized that individual RSS volunteers are free to participate in these movements, reflecting a nuanced approach that attempts to balance institutional neutrality with the personal convictions of its members. This position highlights the complex relationship between the RSS, its volunteers, and religiously sensitive issues in India.
The RSS's decision not to officially endorse the Kashi and Mathura movements can be interpreted in several ways. One possibility is that the organization seeks to avoid overextension and potential fragmentation of its resources and focus. The Ram Mandir movement was a long-standing and deeply resonant issue for the Hindu community, and its successful culmination after decades of struggle represented a major victory for the RSS and its affiliated organizations. Engaging in multiple similar campaigns simultaneously could dilute the impact and effectiveness of the RSS's efforts. Another potential reason could be the legal and political complexities surrounding the Kashi and Mathura disputes. Unlike the Ayodhya issue, which was eventually resolved through a Supreme Court verdict, the legal battles over the Gyanvapi and Shahi Idgah mosques are still ongoing, and the political climate surrounding these issues is highly charged. The RSS may be wary of becoming embroiled in protracted and potentially divisive conflicts that could damage its reputation and credibility. Further, the nature of the Ayodhya dispute involved a site where a temple was allegedly demolished to build a mosque. The legal and historical arguments, even though contested, had a different tenor than the present dispute where claims revolve around existing structures.
Despite the RSS's official stance of non-involvement, Bhagwat's statement that individual volunteers are free to participate in the Kashi and Mathura movements suggests a tacit endorsement of these campaigns. By allowing its members to engage in these activities in their personal capacity, the RSS can indirectly support the Hindu cause without directly committing its organizational resources or taking on the associated risks. This approach allows the RSS to maintain a degree of plausible deniability while still catering to the sentiments of its core constituency. The ambiguity in Bhagwat’s statement creates room for various interpretations. Some may view it as a strategic maneuver, while others might see it as an attempt to appease different factions within the RSS and the broader Hindu nationalist movement. It's crucial to note that the influence of RSS volunteers on the ground can be significant, even without the organization's official backing. Their participation can provide logistical support, mobilize public opinion, and amplify the voices of those advocating for the reclamation of the Kashi and Mathura sites.
The backdrop to this issue is the ongoing legal disputes surrounding the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi and the Shahi Idgah mosque in Mathura. Hindu petitioners claim that these mosques were built on the sites of ancient Hindu temples and that they should be restored to the Hindu community. These claims have sparked intense controversy and have raised concerns about communal harmony. The legal battles have also been fueled by the discovery of alleged temple-like structures within the Gyanvapi mosque complex, which have further intensified the Hindu side's demands for worship rights within the disputed premises. The situation in Mathura is similarly fraught, with Hindu groups asserting that the Shahi Idgah mosque stands on land historically associated with the birthplace of Lord Krishna, a site of immense religious significance for Hindus worldwide.
Bhagwat's acknowledgment of the deep religious significance of Kashi, Mathura, and Ayodhya for Hindus is also noteworthy. He stated that it is natural for Hindu society to express their sentiments regarding these sites, implicitly recognizing the emotional and cultural importance of these places for the Hindu community. This statement can be seen as an attempt to validate the Hindu perspective on the Kashi and Mathura disputes, even as the RSS refrains from directly participating in the campaigns to reclaim these sites. It is a recognition that these issues resonate deeply with many Hindus and that the RSS cannot afford to ignore these sentiments altogether.
The RSS's strategic position on the Kashi and Mathura movements reflects the organization's broader approach to Hindu nationalism and its role in Indian society. The RSS seeks to promote Hindu cultural unity and to protect what it perceives as the interests of the Hindu community. However, it also recognizes the need to navigate the complex and often sensitive political landscape of India. The RSS's decision to selectively engage in certain issues while maintaining a degree of distance from others is a testament to its pragmatism and its ability to adapt to changing circumstances. The long-term implications of the RSS's stance on the Kashi and Mathura movements remain to be seen. It is possible that the organization will eventually become more directly involved in these campaigns, particularly if the legal and political landscape shifts in a way that is favorable to the Hindu cause. It is also possible that the RSS will continue to maintain its current position, allowing its volunteers to pursue these issues in their personal capacity while avoiding direct institutional involvement.
The situation raises several critical questions about the relationship between religion, politics, and identity in India. The claims surrounding the Gyanvapi and Shahi Idgah mosques highlight the enduring tensions between Hindu and Muslim communities in India and the ways in which historical grievances can continue to shape contemporary politics. The legal battles over these sites have also raised questions about the role of the judiciary in adjudicating religious disputes and the extent to which historical claims should be taken into account when resolving such disputes. Furthermore, the RSS's stance on these issues reflects the ongoing debate about the nature of Indian nationalism and the extent to which India should be defined as a Hindu nation. Critics of the RSS argue that its Hindu nationalist ideology is divisive and undermines the secular foundations of the Indian state. Supporters of the RSS, on the other hand, contend that it is simply seeking to protect the interests of the Hindu community and to promote Hindu cultural values.
The broader context of these events includes the rising tide of Hindu nationalism in India in recent decades. The Ram Mandir movement was a watershed moment in this regard, as it demonstrated the power of Hindu mobilization and the potential for religious issues to shape the political landscape. Since then, Hindu nationalist organizations have become increasingly influential in Indian politics, and their agenda has gained greater prominence. The BJP, the ruling party in India, is closely aligned with the RSS and shares many of its ideological goals. The rise of Hindu nationalism has been accompanied by a growing sense of assertiveness among some Hindu groups, who feel that their religious and cultural identity has been marginalized in the past and that they now have an opportunity to reclaim their rightful place in Indian society. This assertiveness has sometimes manifested itself in the form of demands for the reclamation of disputed religious sites, such as the Gyanvapi and Shahi Idgah mosques.
In conclusion, Mohan Bhagwat's statement regarding the RSS's stance on the Kashi and Mathura movements is a complex and nuanced one that reflects the organization's strategic considerations and its broader approach to Hindu nationalism. While the RSS has chosen not to officially endorse these campaigns, it has also acknowledged the deep religious significance of these sites for Hindus and has allowed its volunteers to participate in these movements in their personal capacity. The long-term implications of this stance remain to be seen, but it is clear that the Kashi and Mathura disputes will continue to be a significant factor in Indian politics and society for the foreseeable future. The legal battles over these sites, the ongoing tensions between Hindu and Muslim communities, and the broader debate about the nature of Indian nationalism will all continue to shape the landscape of Indian politics and society.
Source: Mohan Bhagwat: RSS won't back Kashi, Mathura movements but volunteers free to join