Congress's efforts to link RSS with terror collapse under legal scrutiny and facts.
New Delhi: Alok Mehta Controversies over allegations of “saffron terror” and criminal activities linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) have repeatedly surfaced on political and social platforms. Over the past 50 years, the Congress and Communist parties have made several attempts to ban or restrict the functioning of the RSS. The 2008 Malegaon blast case was projected as an instance of “saffron terror,” with serious charges levelled against several individuals, including Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, Colonel Purohit, and others. A conspiracy was allegedly hatched to falsely implicate RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. Mahboob Mujawar, an ATS officer involved in the investigation, revealed that he was pressured to link the RSS chief’s name and coerce witnesses into testifying against him. When he refused, he was harassed. Based on court proceedings and the evidence presented, it became clear that many of the allegations were either false or weak. Sadhvi Pragya was granted bail earlier, and the court has now ruled that there is insufficient evidence against her. Despite more than 300 witnesses, no solid proof emerged. This episode demonstrated that individuals were deliberately targeted for political or ideological reasons, in an attempt to tarnish the image of the RSS and its affiliate organisations.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has on numerous occasions accused the RSS of spreading communal hatred and polarisation in the country. He has claimed that the RSS ideology is divisive and undermines India’s Constitution and democratic institutions. Gandhi has argued that the RSS poses a threat to “constitutional values” and has often drawn comparisons between the RSS and radical organisations, further escalating political confrontations. In a controversial statement during a conversation with a U.S. diplomat, Rahul even termed “Hindu terrorism” as more dangerous than “Islamic terrorism.” On one such statement, the RSS filed a defamation case against him.
When P. Chidambaram was Home Minister (2008–2012), he coined the term “saffron terrorism.” Several investigative agencies were roped in to probe such cases, many of which eventually resulted in the acquittal of the accused by the courts. Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh was among those who continuously criticised the RSS, describing it as anti-Muslim, anti-Dalit, and anti-democratic. He even tried to link the death of Hemant Karkare (Mumbai ATS Chief) to the RSS, causing a massive political uproar. Congress leaders have thus opposed the RSS on both ideological and political grounds. In some cases, they attempted to corner the RSS using legal action and investigations, but the courts found little evidence to convict the organisation or its affiliates.
The RSS, on its part, has consistently dismissed the allegations as “politically motivated” and “baseless,” reiterating that it works towards nation-building, social service, and cultural awakening.
Interestingly, Congress leaders remember the earlier bans and accusations against the RSS, but conveniently forget their own party’s history. In October 1949, the Congress Working Committee had passed a resolution proposing the inclusion of RSS into the Congress fold. In times of national security crises and natural disasters, even Congress governments had sought the help of the RSS. When Narasimha Rao was Prime Minister, he was even referred to as a former RSS volunteer.
As for the Hindutva ideology, current RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat has clearly stated that every person born in India can be considered their own, Indian, and Hindu—irrespective of their religious practice. He clarified that Hinduism respects all modes of worship—Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, etc.—and regards them as integral parts of Indian society. Bhagwat also said that it is inappropriate to search for idols of Hindu deities in every mosque, warning that such demands would lead to anarchy. Notably, this was not a post-Modi development. Former RSS chiefs Professor Rajendra Singh and K.S. Sudarshan had expressed similar views years ago in interviews given to me, which I have published.
Now, regarding the organisation itself: there is no doubt that the influence and scale of the RSS and its affiliate bodies have grown significantly in recent years. Modernisation and greater resource access have introduced elements of liberalisation within the organisation. The rise to power of people ideologically aligned with the RSS has boosted their confidence. Yet, despite the organisation’s emphasis on discipline and simplicity, some individuals within or formerly associated with it have begun to misuse their positions. Certain selfish elements have exploited religious themes like temples, cows, and sacred rivers to derive undue benefit. Many of these people have floated new organisations while claiming to uphold Hindu society and religion, engaging in reckless statements and inciting violence. Curbing such elements requires proactive steps not only from the RSS but also from government authorities.
The BJP, which is perceived as ideologically aligned with the RSS, must exercise more caution and restraint. Occasionally, MPs, MLAs, and even ministers make inflammatory remarks, overshadowing the leadership’s genuine efforts and positive initiatives.
As for the government, it is a well-established fact that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his senior ministers have emerged from the ideological framework and values of the RSS. Hence, they do not require constant directives from the organisation. However, collaboration is necessary to fulfil their shared goals, promises, and visions. Prime Minister Modi repeatedly asserts that government schemes and programmes are meant for all segments of Indian society—not just Hindus but also Sikhs, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, and others.
Partial or inaccurate information about communal incidents in India reaching the international stage damages the country’s reputation. As India’s role and challenges in global politics increase, it becomes even more important for both the RSS and the government to maintain vigilance, engage in self-assessment, and take timely corrective actions.
