RSS stands by PM Narendra Modi on Land Bill, BJP-PDP alliance

NEW DELHI: Adopting an accommodating attitude towards the Modi government, the RSS extended its support on all contentious issues, including the land bill and the uneasy coalition with PDP in J&K.

The conciliatory gesture towards the government, however, did not soften the Sangh stand on minorities as it once again asserted that all people born in India were “culturally, nationally and DNA-wise Hindus, whether they accept it or not.” This was stated by RSS Sah Sarkaryavaha (Additional General Secretary) Dattatreya Hosbale on Friday, as the RSS began its three-day day Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) in Nagpur.

Having set the ground rules, the Sangh tried to alleviate the impression that it was at odds with the government. In fact, the RSS also advised its frontal organisations like the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh and Swadeshi Jagran Manch to engage with the government and avoid a confrontational attitude.

Supporting Modi government on land bill, Dattatreya Hosbale said that the Sangh did not think that the bill was “anti-farmer”. “I don’t think the bill is antifarmer because the government has brought in amendments which are in favour of farmers. But the government should work towards proper implementation of those farmer friendly amendments at ground level,” he said at the beginning of the annual meeting attended by over 1,400 delegates from parent and affiliate bodies. BJP president Amit Shah is also attending the meeting.

However, the RSS also sent a subtle message that while it was willing to give some time to the BJP to sort out its differences with PDP in J&K, it was not willing to compromise on core issues like Article 370. “There is absolutely no change in our stand on J&K. Entire nation is pained over the recent happenings in J&K and we share that feeling. Even the PM and the BJP have aired their opinion on the issue clearly. But give both the parties some time.

For the first time a nationalistic party has come to power in the state,” said Hosbale. The RSS was also not willing to take a tough stand on controversial ‘Ghar Wapsi’ or re-conversion programme being run some of its affiliated organisations.