NATIONAL POLITICS

RSS: Report on Political Strategy - Keeping Option Open

Based on Indian Express, the Hindu and the Statesman

The RSS annual Pratinidhi Sabha appears to be having second thoughts on its decision to enter the electoral arena to improve the prospects of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

 The appeal to the Hindus and the Hindutva workers formed the core of the annual report of the general secretary of the RSS H.V. Seshadri (See text). Seshadri (called upon) the RSS volunteers to strive hard to rouse the people to their "national duty".

 The spokesperson of the RSS denied that the Sangh had taken a decision to enter the electoral arena.

 On Enron not finding a place in the resolution on Swadeshi, Mr. Vaid remarked that the RSS is not a blind opponent of foreign capital. This again was a clear departure from Seshadri's annual report.

 Seshadri's report skipped any direct reference to the BJP to benefit also parties such as Shiv Sena and other small outfits or independents who also swear by the Hindutva, although Ayodhya, Varanasi or Mathura did not figure in any resolution.

The three resolutions that the RSS Pratinidhi Sabha passed cannot be questioned even by the Left parties, in total exclusion to Hindutva agenda which has been left to the VHP to espouse. The three resolutions related to swadeshi, corruption in public life and concern for national security. Many who are averse to the communal approach, would find the shifted agenda acceptable, in pre-poll and post-poll.

context

 The RSS workers are taking up issues, in most cases independent of the BJP network. These would help enlisting support of those who may not support the BJP openly. The full-timers who have offered their services for six months and have been deployed at block level. In the internal assessment that emerged during the conclave the BJP and Hindutva outfits have fair prospect of securing majority, although it is conceded that the Hawala scam has made a dent in the morale... The RSS leadership conveyed to the BJP representatives who attended the Pratinidhi Sabha meeting, that leaders with sullied image should be sidelined. And the concerned of the RSS leaders over growing instances of indiscipline in the political wing was also conveyed in no uncertain terms. The RSS apparently would have a say in clearing candidates for the Lok Sabha poll. In certain constituencies, however, the criteria are bound to be relaxed, where the rivals would appear to enjoy muscle power.

 The deliberations gave enough indication of the confusion prevailing in the Sangh leadership over the extent it should participate in politics. The RSS spokesman clarified that it did not intend to join active politics but support all the parties which subscribed to Hindutva.

Seshadri pointed out that the Sangh had not issue appeal for the BJP.

 The RSS has begun to keep its options open in the coming elections. In fact, in its desperate attempt to become the key player behind the stage, the RSS may even consider a tactical yet covert alliance with the Rao Congress.

 That seems to be the underlying message. The reason for the RSS to play a game of real politic is obvious-the past election scenario is too confusing and the organization wants to maximize its gains even if it means temporarily ditching its political ally, the Bharatiya Janata Party.

By not directing its workers as it has done previous occasions to work for the BJP and by not criticizing the Prime Minister, Mr. Narasimha Rao, the Sangh has finally given the first hint.

The RSS leaders are apparently not too confident the BJP doing well at the hustings. The RSS, which has been hedging its bets for some time, has finally concluded that the BJP may not necessarily be the winning horse.

 That is the conclusion draws from the fact that the RSS did not pass a resolution giving blanket support to the BJP.

 RSS. concerned is expected to be selective about who it wants to support. The first criterion is whether the BJP candidate has strayed from the "Hindutva" path. The RSS would mainly canvass for candidates in the BJP who an known to be clean.

 More significant is the attitude towards Narasimha Rao. In sharp contrast to the stinging attack on Rao by the BJP leaders. The RSS resolution has been silent on him... The RSS is determined to see that the politics of caste do no return to centerstage and with that end in view Rao appear as a better option.

 were allegations then that the RSS had arrived at a taxi. This is not a new situation for the RSS.  In fact, then understanding with Mrs. Gandhi.

 Will history repeat itself and the RSS do a deal with Mr. Rao.

Only the BJP, with its focus on Hindutva, can claim to be truly secular, as the very concept of Hindutva is synonymous with secularism.

 -Kalraj Misra, BJP Leader