By Anuj Sabharwal
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi recently spoke at Thane rally, RSS people killed Gandhiji. But I have always heard since my childhood that the man who shot Mahatma Gandhi was Nathuram Godse and not RSS. I have never heard even from my elders that RSS killed Gandhi. Therefore, through this column, I have tried to discuss the curious case of RaGa theory behind Mahatma killing. Nathuram Vinayak Godse, a Chitpavan Brahmin from Pune who shot Gandhi had never owned any kind of association with RSS, Hindu Mahasabha or any other organization. He maintained that he single-handedly carried out the execution of Gandhi. Several books on the life of Godse were banned by Indian government headed by Congress. Godse saw himself as passionate and ardent defender of Hindu motherland was involved with RSS in his youth and resigned from his membership in the early 1930s. RSS was temporarily banned after Mahatma killing. However, investigators could find no evidence that the RSS bureaucracy had formally sponsored or even knew of Godses plot. The unwanted ban on RSS was lifted in 1949.
A Commission of Inquiry into Conspiracy to murder of Mahatma Gandhi was set and it stated, RSS as such were not responsible for the murder of Gandhi, meaning thereby that one could not name the organization as such as being responsible for that most diabolical crime, the murder of the apostle of peace. It has not been proved that the accused were members of the RSS, Kapur Commission Report. Perhaps Rahul Gandhi could have done homework before making false statements.
RSS was formed in 1925 and is a right-wing, National Volunteer Organization and its ideology is based on the principles of selfless service to the nation. Its volunteers are also known for their efforts in relief and rehabilitation work during natural calamities and mobilizing programmes in the fields of health, education and rural development. RSSs Muslim wing is called as Muslim Rashtriya Manch and has branches in over 200 districts of India with thousands of Muslim members. It motivates Muslim youths to get engaged in service to the Indian nation. It is RSSs magic that Kashmiri Muslims called for revoking article 370 and taking back POK.
RSS was invited by Jawaharlal Nehru to take part in Republic Day parade of 1963 in recognition of its volunteer work during the Indo-China war. He called them patriots. In Indo-Pak war, General Kushwant Singh of Indian Army thanked RSS for their relief work. Lal Bahadur Shastri praised RSS for their support in law and order maintenance. Zakir Hussain, ex-President of India said, RSS is a revolutionary organization. No other organization in the country comes anywhere near it. It has the capacity of transform society, end casteism and wipe the tears from the eyes of the poor. I have great expectations from RSS. The allegations against RSS of violence and hatred against Muslims are false. Will Rahul Gandhi endorse this? I have doubts.
Writer by passion, self employed and views are personal. Hates women abusers, loves art, music, tweets on politics and dreams of better society. Can be contacted on anujsabharwal3@gmail.com