Author: Vinay Krishna
Rastogi
Publication: Sunday
Mid-Day
Date: September 24,
2000
Uttar Pradesh Governor
Suraj Bhan, an old Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh worker and a Dalit, says
that in all Sangh Shakhas that he attended since his youth, much stress
was laid on patriotism and nationalism but hatred towards Muslims was never
taught nor were scheduled castes treated with contempt.
Excerpts from an interview:
Q. Why is Sangh preaching
hatred against Muslims?
A. The RSS never preached
nor is now preaching hatred against Muslim. Since youth I have attended
innumerable shakhas but we were never taught to hate Muslims. Full-blooded
stress is always laid on patriotism and nationalism.
Q. Why did you join an
organisation, which has been branded by all political parties as pro-upper
caste and has hidden contempt for Dalits?
A. This is nothing but
a blatant lie. RSS is the only organisation that has genuine concern for
Dalits. It teaches its workers in its shakhas to fight untouchability with
all their might. The RSS believes that unless all sections of Hindus are
given due honour, India cannot become one nation in the true sense.
Q. Are you saying so
because your loyalties are for the BJP which have made you the Governor
of UP?
A. I have always fought
for the cause of Dalits as I have been a victim of caste hatred.
Q. Why did you join the
RSS?
A. I can never forget
what late RSS chief Balasaheb Deoras told me decades ago- that there is
no bigger sin than practising untouchability. The RSS gave me genuine honour
and dignity.
