In a move loaded with political significance, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has decided to take headon the ‘anti-migrant’ agenda of the Shiv Sena and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). In an open support for north Indians in Maharashtra, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has asked sangh workers to protect north Indians from attacks.
“RSS workers have been asked to protect north Indians who are being targeted by the Shiv Sena and the MNS,” said RSS spokesperson Ram Madhav in Jabalpur on Sunday, echoing Bhagwat. Madhav said the sangh was opposed to linguistic chauvinism and discrimination on the basis of language.
Political observers link the RSS’ assertiveness on the issue to the BJP’s depleting political stock in north India, especially in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
"The statements (of Bhagawat and Madhav) can be attributed to a rethink in the RSS over the direction that the sangh and the BJP have to take in north India,’’ said political sources in the know.
“The next major test for the BJP is the Bihar assembly polls. At a recent meeting with BJP leaders from Bihar, party president Nitin Gadkari openly said that victory in Bihar was a matter of honour for him,” said a top source in the party. “Yeh meri izzat ka sawal hai (it is a matter of honour for me),” the BJP chief reportedly told the leaders.
There is also a rethink on whether the alliance with the Shiv Sena has outlived its utility. “The BJP wants to project itself as a national party. Despite not being in agreement with the Sena and the MNS on their parochial attitude, it has always been clubbed with them. This is (the sangh’s statement) a way of entangling the party from the present situation in the state,’’ said a source.
The RSS stand may have been spurred by the Congress’ revival plans in Bihar and UP, feel observers. It is considering AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi as a grave threat. “Gandhi has been talking about the kind of ideas that the RSS itself wanted to talk. It wants to appeal to the young population and the professional community,” said a source.
Moreover, by breaking away from the Shiv Sena, the BJP can go back to its nationalistic plank without inhibition, say observers.
BJP president Nitin Gadkari was evasive when asked whether there had been a “clash” of interests between the RSS and the Shiv Sena over the Marathi issue. “There is no clash between both,” he said, adding he would speak to the RSS chief on what he has said before reacting.
Senior Shiv Sena leader Manhor Joshi said, “The time has come to remind RSS that Mumbai belongs to Marathi people only and they should get priority here.”
—With bureau inputs
