By The Editor
When election times are approaching politicians are ever-ready to switch gear in order to find favour with electorate but once they achieve their goal they will revert back to their old self and continue with the same old game. Successful politicians know how to play with people’s sentiments unmindful of consequences. Oscar Ameringer said, “Politics is the gentle art of getting votes from the poor and campaign funds from the rich, by promising to protect each from the other”. However, politicians no matter how qualified or smart they may be will find it difficult and at times impossible to cope with their daily activities and routine unless and until they are helped and guided by planners and strategists who are committed to party policies and ideologies. Success of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was because of efforts and efficiency of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during all these past years in spite of various setbacks at certain periods of time who never easily compromised but determined to rise up stronger and more determined in order to achieve target of Hndutva. Under the guise of preserving unity and integrity of the country they do not hesitate to attack Muslims, tribals, Dalits and backwards.
Suddenly recent attitude of RSS has not come at all as surprise because of developments among minorities and secular parties which have gained momentum in jointly confronting BJP government at the Centre. On September 23, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat paid visit to a mosque and madrassa in Delhi and had meeting with the head of an organisation of imans. Indresh Kumar, national executive member of RSS told reporters of an event organised to mark 104th Haifa Victory Day at Teen Murti Chowk, Delhi. He slammed the Congress for its irresponsible attack on RSS and Bhagwat because of reaching out to the Muslims and by doing so tried to widen Hindu-Muslim divide. Kumar reiterated that such exercise with minority communities has been normal practice and not with any ulterior motives which has been receiving appreciation and praises. Next, Bhagwat paid visit to Meghalaya on September 25 which was his third so far to Shillong city and in his address stated that Hinduism is not a religion but culture claiming that every resident of India is a Hindu since Hindutva means way of life or culture. According to RSS chief people of Hindustan speaking different languages, wearing distinct costumes, professing various beliefs and faiths are all Hindus who have demonstrated to the whole world the unique concept of unity in diversity. Indians are all the sons and daughters of Bharatmata while brushing aside meaning of conversion as practised by Islam and Christianity.
Unfounded statement of Bhagwat is strongly opposed and condemned by wide sections of society in the state reminding him that indigenous people of Meghalaya were never Hindus but practised their traditional faith since time immemorial which is very different from Hindu religion. Tribals can no longer be taken for granted because they cherish the spirit of Indian nationalism and abhor the hidden agenda of certain elements trying to create fear and misapprehensions for short-term benefits.