Congress Alleges Gandhi Called RSS ‘Totalitarian Body’

As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) marks its 100th anniversary, the Congress party has stirred political controversy by claiming that Mahatma Gandhi referred to the RSS as a “communal body with a totalitarian outlook.”

In a detailed statement on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh shared excerpts from a book written by Pyarelal, a close aide of Gandhi who served on his personal staff for about three decades and succeeded Mahadev Desai as his secretary after Desai’s death in 1942.

“Pyarelal’s works have become essential literature on Mahatma Gandhi. His 1956 publication, ‘Mahatma Gandhi: The Last Phase’, includes validation from prominent figures like Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Dr. S. Radhakrishnan,” Ramesh noted.

He highlighted a significant passage from the second volume, stating that on September 12, 1947, Gandhi described the RSS in a private conversation as a “communal body with a totalitarian outlook.”

Ramesh’s revelation reminded followers of the historical context, stating that just five months later, the then Union home minister Sardar Patel imposed a ban on the RSS.

The Congress leader shocked some by sharing a screenshot of the book containing Gandhi’s views. He contrasted these with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent praise of the RSS, recalling Patel’s assertion that the organization’s activities contributed to an atmosphere that led to Gandhi’s assassination.

In a previous statement on X, Ramesh questioned the Prime Minister’s awareness of historical facts. “Has he read the letter Patel wrote to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on July 18, 1948?” he asked. In this letter, Patel articulated his concerns regarding the RSS and the Hindu Mahasabha, which were in the context of the ongoing investigation into Gandhi’s murder.

Patel’s correspondence conveyed that, while the case was sub-judice, reports indicated that the activities of both organizations, especially the RSS, fostered a climate where such “ghastly tragedy” could occur. He warned that the RSS posed a clear threat to both the government and the State, and noted the organization’s increasing defiance despite the ban in place.

Ramesh further recounted Patel’s address at a public gathering in Jaipur on December 19, 1948, where he spoke decisively about the RSS, highlighting historical tensions between Gandhi’s views and the organization.

In a recent address during the centenary celebrations of the RSS, Prime Minister Modi said that the organization did not harbor bitterness despite facing numerous criticisms, emphasizing its commitment to the principle of prioritizing the nation.

The Congress party’s reference to Gandhi’s views on the RSS has reignited discussions on historical narratives and their relevance in contemporary politics, reflecting ongoing debates about the ideological direction and influence of the RSS in India’s national landscape.