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Confessions of the PM: Yes, I am a Swayamsevak

Confessions of the PM: Yes, I am a Swayamsevak

Author: Our Political Bureau
Publication: The Economic Times
Date: April 8, 2003

Introduction: Says RSS is an army of self-respecting, dedicated people

Prime AB Vajpayee today put on the swayamsevak 'ganvesh' (RSS outfit), if only figuratively, as he launched an aggressive defence of the RSS as an organisation of 'disciplined and patriotic' workers.

Speaking at a function to release a book on RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, Mr Vajpayee and deputy prime minister L K Advani, described the RSS as an 'army of self-respecting and dedicated swayamsevaks' tied by the common thread of Hindutva and nationalism irrespective of their caste and economic status. Coming from someone who is allegedly being pushed by the RSS towards the saffron frontiers, this marked yet another contemporary instance where the prime minister has taken pains to suggest that the distance between him and Nagpur is not as much as it is made out to be.

Though Mr Vajpayee has described himself as a swayamsevak innumerable times, these confessions' were often followed by a retreat in the face of attack from 'secularist quarters' ' What is significant about the latest introduction is that it comes at a time of the heightened focus on improving the cohesion within the diverse Sangh Parivaar. Over the space of a month or so, the prime minister has been to the local RSS headquarters while the Sangh bosses have reciprocated by feting him on his achievement in becoming the first non-Congressmen a swayamsewak at that to complete five years in office. These summit-level powwows are taking place along with a sustained effort to improve the saffron synergy down the line.

At the book release function here today, organised by Publications Division of the I&B ministry, Mr Vajpayee rebutted each and every allegation against the RSS - from its alleged 'secret society' character to its 'fascist' orientation to its conservative outlook. These were also rebutted earlier but often tempered by clarifications or a silence when the adversaries attacked him.

Today, however, Mr Vajpayee balked at those describing the RSS as a "fascist" and "secret" organisation. 'That the RSS is fascist was said so casually that it made levelling such a serious allegation look like a joke,' he said.
 


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