Prior to independence, RSS was mostly involved in social work with little political insinuation. It was only after the independence that RSS' interest in central politics burgeoned. Even though they were banned, four times, RSS' intentions to break into politics was clearly evident. The second ban was imposed right after the independence. It was alleged that RSS had a role to play in Gandhi’s assassination. They were acquitted soon after as no such evidence was found. The general public perception of RSS is quite baffling as it is supported and opposed equally. The leftists have religiously opposed RSS because of their Hindutva agenda. The congress and accomplice believe that RSS wants a saffron India which is too radical a thought because of the varied religions followed in India. RSS has been very subtle with Hindutva. They cannot be monikered as a communal party but their propensity towards Hindu agenda cannot be ignored either.
Their involvement in communal riots are well know but nothing has been substantiated against them. The liberhan commission did blame Sangh Parivaar for the babri masjid demolition, but the Indian government rejected that claim in white paper. RSS has been referred to as the "Indian version of fascism". That might be going a little overboard, but it does hold some ground. However, their concern for India’s future cannot be questioned. What remains debatable is their jingoism that sometimes streamlines towards Hindutva. Their views on certain issues are contentious, to say the least. Even though they’ve never conspicuously stated their intent, the babri masjid demolition and other such instances were enough to prove their pro–Hindu mentality. Politically speaking, RSS has been quite successful with two full time prime ministers coming from their ranks. Neither of the two ever showed communal behaviour. RSS is also considered to be the governing body of BJP. Almost all BJP leaders are either ex-RSS members or are heavily supported by them. It is alleged that all the party decisions are made after consultation with RSS. This has lead the opposition to blame BJP directly for being a communal party. The other political parties have maintained their secular image be it congress, JDU, left or any other major party. This form of secular semblance results in minority appeasement during election.
The politics in India is marred by religious compassion. Many leaders have walked the extra mile to gather minority votes. Minority appeasement is the single biggest bigotry of Indian politics and will remain so till voters start to vote on merit rather than common religion. Political parties spend a fortune on advertising their compassion for the minorities.
Unfortunately, parties will continue to do this as long as they taste successful, and till now, minority appeasement has never disappointed them.
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