The article critically examines the history and ideological underpinnings of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), particularly its contributions and positions during India’s struggle for independence. Despite the BJP’s attempts to align itself with historical figures from the freedom movement, it fails to claim legitimacy from this era due to its historical actions and ideological foundations. The RSS, founded in 1925, primarily focused on unifying Hindus through quasi-military training rather than actively opposing colonial rule, often expressing admiration for European fascism. The article highlights the organization’s disengagement from major anti-colonial efforts like the Quit India Movement and its controversial role during the Partition and the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, which led to it being declared an unlawful association in 1948.
The author argues that the RSS’s contributions to the freedom struggle were minimal, emphasizing that its ideology is fundamentally exclusionary and harmful to India’s diverse democracy. The article concludes that the RSS’s foundational belief in racial and religious nationalism contradicts the inclusive values enshrined in India’s Constitution, posing a significant challenge to the nation’s democratic ethos.
