Debunking the false equivalence of the PFI – RSS comparison

Published by
T S Venkatesan

Close on the heels of the ban on the Popular Front of India (PFI) and its five associates; it is a question being raised by the so-called ‘neutrals’, pseudo-secular and pro-Islamic elements why RSS was not banned. They ask that the Central government ban PFI, so why not RSS? After all, both are cadre-based organizations that stroke up religious zeal and claim to be defenders of respective religions and cultures.

A true nationalist, patriotic and pious Hindu knows the distinction with his discerning power, which is good and evil for society. “However, RSS and PFI have some distinction that make RSS nationalistic where PFI is subversive. PFI believes in the radical ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood that undermine the national integrity and sovereignty. Moreover, PFI believe to replace the secular democratic government with Caliphate system and subjugate the other especially majority Hindu community. They even work in subversive activity which made their cadre, followers and sympathizer against state and institutions even switch the loyalty to foreign even enemy powers,” explain level headed and well-educated people.

The nearly a century-old RSS, banned by Congress on three occasions, raised like a phoenix every time. The undeterred and indefatigable RSS take inspiration from indigenous Hindu culture, which covers all community, even Muslims, as Mohan Bhagwat clarified on many occasions. RSS inspired its members and followers to work for the nation and strengthen it in all aspects, not to subvert them. They teach to promote nationalism and zeal for sacrifice for the country. RSS does not promote subversive ideology to replace the government with other systems or even forget about subjugating other communities. RSS does not preach targeted violence toward political, social or religious opponents. The RSS has not only a pan India presence but also in world countries. it inspires social service during natural calamities and disasters like earthquakes, floods, and pandemic relief by reaching before the respective state machinery thinks about relief and rescue works. Jawaharlal Nehru commented on its role. PM Jawahar Lal Nehru invited over 3,000 Sangh volunteers to participate in the Republic Day parade in 1963. Nehru was impressed with the services of RSS volunteers at the borders during the war with China in 1962. He invited Sangh volunteers to the 1963 Republic Day parade to imbibe the spirit of nationalism to tell the world their commendable role during the wartime,” said Ratan Sharda, author and member of RSS’ national media team earlier.

Some people claim that RSS works only for Hindu interests, so other organizations such as JUH, JAH, Christian, Sikh, and others work for their community’s interest, which is paramount. All these organizations functioned under the constitutional ethos to contribute to nation-building and were praised for their efforts. However, there is an aspect of concern and criticism in every organization for rectification.

The Indian government banned PFI based on the Constitutional ethos of secular and democratic principles, not based on theological principles. Any state has the right to contain such forces that promote subversive agenda & instigate their subject to rising against it. It may create chaos and anarchy, which will harm the state & subject so deep that it can’t be recovered, as witnessed in Syria, Libya etc.
“And the anarchy cause by radical violent ideology will harm every citizen and weaken the nation. Is the state not responsible to defend its integrity to protect its citizens?” right minded, unbiased people ask.
They are with the Central government’s decision of proscribing PFI and its subsidiaries for five years. According to them, it is long due, and the Centre should have taken action well earlier; the present proscribing PFI and its affiliates should be permanent, considering its illegal and anti-national activities.

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