RSS plans outreach campaign; AASU, others on ground

Guwahati: Amid widespread protests in Assam against the amended Citizenship Act, BJP’s ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has decided to launch a massive campaign in the state. “Earlier, the protest was limited to Urban centres. Now, it has spread to upper Assam and villages. We will make people understand the dangers the state will face if the new law isn’t enforced,” A senior RSS leader said. This comes amid reports that many BJP leaders have resigned from the party as a mark of protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act.

A senior BJP leader said: “Last month, there was a meeting of BJP leaders in Guwahati. It was attended by party leader Ram Madhav too. Most of the leaders from the northeast said they didn’t foresee much protest against the bill in the area.” Meanwhile, AASU and other student groups of Assam are also reaching out to people, especially villagers, to explain the fallout of the Act. RSS was for long pressing for amendments to the Citizenship Act. The move gained momentum after a large number of Hindus in Assam were left out of final National Register of Citizens.