SR Darapuri, National President, All India Peoples Front
(Samajweekly) The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have been closely associated in promoting Hindutva, an ideology that emphasizes India as a Hindu nation, often intertwined with a form of cultural and religious nationalism. Below is an analysis of how they leverage nationalism to advance Hindutva, based on their historical and contemporary activities:
- Ideological Framework of Hindutva and Nationalism
– RSS as the Ideological Backbone: The RSS, founded in 1925, promotes Hindutva, which defines Indian identity primarily through Hindu culture and values. It views “Hindu” as a national identity encompassing all Indians, regardless of religion, but prioritizes Hindu traditions and scriptures. This framing aligns Hindutva with nationalism, presenting it as a unifying force for India as a “Hindu Rashtra” (Hindu nation).
– BJP as the Political Arm: The BJP, established in 1980 as a successor to the Bharatiya Jan Sangh, is widely seen as the political wing of the RSS. It translates the RSS’s ideological vision into political action, using nationalism to rally support for policies that align with Hindutva.
- Strategies to Promote Hindutva Through Nationalism
– Cultural Narratives and Symbolism:
– The RSS and BJP emphasize Hindu cultural symbols, such as the Ram temple in Ayodhya, cow protection, and the reclamation of historical sites, to evoke a sense of Hindu pride and national identity. For example, the BJP’s push for banning cow slaughter, a practice significant to some Hindu communities but consumed by others like Muslims, reinforces a Hindu-centric national identity.
– Events like the Ram Janmabhoomi movement have been used to mobilize masses by framing them as efforts to restore India’s Hindu heritage, tying religious sentiment to national pride.
– Education and Grassroots Mobilization:
– The RSS operates schools and organizations like Vidya Bharati to instil Hindutva values in young Indians, portraying Hindu culture as synonymous with national identity.
– RSS-affiliated groups like the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) work at the grassroots level to promote Hindutva ideologies, often aligning them with patriotic events like festivals or national celebrations.
– Political Messaging and Policies:
– The BJP has used nationalist rhetoric to frame policies like the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir (which granted the Muslim-majority state special autonomy) as steps toward a unified, Hindu-majority India. This is portrayed as strengthening national integrity.
– Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a former RSS member, the BJP has amplified nationalist sentiments through slogans like “Bharat Mata ki Jai” (Victory to Mother India) and policies promoting Hindi and Hindu cultural practices, which critics argue marginalize religious minorities.
– Criticism of Opponents as Anti-National:
– The RSS and BJP often label critics of Hindutva or their policies as anti-national, creating a dichotomy where support for Hindutva equates to patriotism. This has been used to unite sentiments against religious minorities or secular opponents, portraying them as threats to India’s unity.
- Criticisms and Controversies
– Critics argue that the RSS-BJP combine uses nationalism to mask a supremacist agenda, aiming to marginalize Muslims, Christians, and other minorities by framing them as secondary citizens in a Hindu Rashtra.
– Some posts on X and reports suggest that the BJP’s nationalism is a “superficial Hindu veneer,” focusing on territorial unity rather than genuine Hindutva, which has caused dissatisfaction among hardcore RSS supporters.
– Critics also highlight that the RSS-BJP’s Hindu Rashtra project involves hate speeches and violence against minorities, using nationalism to justify actions that undermine India’s secular constitution.
- Regional Expansion and Soft Hindutva
– In regions like Tamil Nadu, traditionally resistant to Hindutva, the RSS and BJP have adopted a “soft Hindutva” approach, blending local cultural elements with Hindu nationalism to gain acceptance. This involves respecting local traditions while subtly promoting Hindutva ideals.
– This strategy has been described as the “octopus arms” of the Sangh Parivar (RSS’s network of organizations), which gradually infiltrates diverse regions to spread Hindutva under the guise of nationalism.
- Impact and Public Perception
– The BJP’s electoral success, particularly under Modi, is attributed to its ability to merge Hindu nationalism with broader nationalist appeals, such as economic development and strong governance.
– However, posts on X reflect polarized views: some praise the RSS-BJP for promoting cultural unity, while others criticize it for fostering division and threatening India’s secular fabric.
Conclusion
The RSS and BJP use nationalism as a tool to promote Hindutva by framing Hindu identity as central to Indian nationhood, leveraging cultural symbols, education, and political policies to build support. While they present this as unifying, critics argue it marginalizes minorities and undermines secularism. The interplay of grassroots mobilization, strategic political messaging, and regional adaptation has made their approach effective but deeply controversial.
Courtesy; grok.com
