More threats and lies from the RSS

In four years of control over the Indian state, the RSS-led government has driven Indian Muslims and Dalits to despair; and allowed its allies and cadre complete impunity whilst committing heinous crimes. Now its supreme leader is lecturing us on justice: anyone with half a mind can hear the threats in his latest utterances, in the company of the BJP top brass: Ignoring justice could lead to Mahabharat in Ayodhya. In his comments he tells us that allegation and discussions on the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the demolition of 'that structure' (his name for the Babri Masjid) and "would continue as they are part of the politics". There's no mystery about the demolition: its been avowed by its own members and allies. Bhagwat's cynical statement reminds me of the ethical nihilism of the Nazi jurist Carl Schmitt, about whom I commented recently in another context.


This government has protected lynchers; and covered up the death of the judge hearing the case against BJP president Amit Shah. In this case, a relative of the Maharashtra CM threatened a lawyer pursuing the matter. The RSS and its allies have indulged in blatant sabotage of the justice system. In the Bhima Koregaon case, they have misused executive power to protect their cadre. They have secured the dismissal of cases in which their associates were implicated, by causing court records to disappear - see the fate of the Aseemanand case. Meanwhile there have been 67 'encounter' killings since March 2017. V. L. Solanki, the police officer who worked on the Sohrabuddin 'encounter' says the government is trying to silence him: "If a sitting judge can die suddenly, I am just an inconsequential retired police inspector. The government and the police can go to any extent to ensure everyone accused in the case gets a clean chit. They can kill too”.

And as to their claims of tolerance, here are some useful reminders.
The RSS has also of late begun treating us to assurances of its love for political inclusiveness. (Nau sau chuhe kha kar billi Haj ko chali) A comparision of these with Bhagwat's envisioned 'Mahabharat' on Ayodhya could be revealing, but the capacity of the RSS to beguile and deceive is paralleled by that of a large section of Indian opinion to believe their lies. They receive assistance in their theatrical performances by senior members of the establishment, such as ex President Pranab Mukherjee. Elections are approaching, and we may expect ever-expanding efforts at propaganda and intimidation. 

So much for the RSS commitment to justice; and our love for truth. When the RSS/BJP came to power in 2014, this is what they and their companion fanatics said in the first bloom of victory:
Sakshi Maharaj reveals the BJP's long standing tie to Nathuram Godse

Read more about the deification of Godse herThe Abolition of truth सत्य की हत्या ; and the Gandhi murder case here: 
Delhi Police Archive on RSS activity in October-December 1947and here: Supreme Court, RSS and Gandhi

The central aim of all communal organisations is the destruction of the very idea of the rule of law; the erasure of the distinction between legal and illegal violence. A glaring example of this is the appearance of Mohan Bhagwat side by side with DIG Vanzara, accused in the Ishrat Jehan murder case. (Here's another cutting; and here is some more information on this retired policeman). What is taking place in front of us is the creeping establishment of a totalitarian regime, what is known as an ideocracy, and what Hannah Arendt referred to as 'a secret society established in broad daylight'. 

On corruption, the Vyapam scam continues to draw blood:

Here are some comments I made in an article by Ajaz Ashraf on Pranab Mukherjee and the RSS: It is good to engage in debate with all quarters in political life. Co-existence requires openness. However, dialogue requires truthful speech and the acknowledgement of wrong-doing. Have the RSS ‘family’ spoken the truth about their hatred for Mahatma Gandhi and their sympathy for his assassin? Has it reconsidered its relentless animosity towards India's Muslims, Christians and communists? The RSS is expert at masking itself. Sensing popular disaffection, it is now positioning itself for the future by smiling at Mr Pranab Mukherjee. 

The Sangh conflates truthfulness with cleverness; politics with cunning and genuine religion with nation-worship, which is a form of atheism. It denounces Naxalite violence whilst celebrating the violence of its associates. Our leaders refuse to confront the Sangh’s lawlessness; its effort to abolish the distinction between legal and illegal violence. What kind of patriotism is it to destroy India's constitution by ideological indoctrination? Genuine conversation is impossible in an atmosphere of deceit. By all means, let us have a serious debate about Indian politics - on communalism of all hues including Muslim communalism; and about violence from every quarter, including Maoist violence. But for such a debate we need honest speech. Is the Sangh ready for it?


Those interested may read more about the BJP/RSS attitude to justice below:

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