The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) successfully conducted path sanchalan across 58 locations in Tamil Nadu, following legal backing from the Madras High Court. This marks the first time in recent years that the organisation has been able to carry out these path sanchalan at nearly all scheduled sites, garnering public appreciation for the disciplined conduct of its cadres.
The DMK government initially attempted to deny permissions for the rallies, citing various reasons. In response, the RSS sought intervention from the High Court, which set a deadline for the police to permit the rallies. Despite this, the government issued a denial a day before the scheduled date, presenting what the RSS described as flimsy justifications.
Subsequent hearings saw the government agree to permit path sanchalan at 42 locations, while denying access to 16. In the next hearing, permissions for the remaining ten locations were granted, but the government maintained its firm refusal for another ten locations. The court continued to address the case-by-case issues raised by the police, clearing the path for the RSS’s planned activities across the state.
The Madras High Court has issued a stern warning to the Tamil Nadu government regarding its repeated denial of permissions for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) rallies, emphasising that such actions violate both Supreme Court and High Court orders. The court stated, “Do not test the patience of this court. Your action is in total violation of the SC and HC orders. The HC had ordered the creation of guidelines that are already in place. Why now deny permission on flimsy grounds?”
During the hearings, the Kottaipattinam DSP cited concerns over planned welfare schemes by Muslim organisations as justification for denying permission for the RSS path sanchalan. The court questioned the validity of this reasoning, asking, “In which outfit was he a member? Has the outfit submitted a petition seeking permission?”
Highlighting the annual nature of the event, the court remarked that the government should not have to rely on court interventions every year. “While other states allow these rallies, why does the Tamil Nadu government take a different stance?” the court asked, reiterating that the presence of churches and mosques along the path sanchalan should not be grounds for denial in a secular and democratic country.
The court further criticised the police’s actions, pointing out that they were able to maintain law and order during the DMK’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations across the state, questioning why similar provisions could not be made for the RSS path sanchalan. The judges remarked that the police’s conduct suggests they prioritise directives from political leadership over adherence to constitutional principles.
In this background, the RSS conducted path sanchalan in Tamil Nadu in all places except one. It had postponed the annual march in Thoothukudi district due to Kulasai Dassara celebrations, which will now be held on the October 20. In Chennai Chromepet after the end of the pathsanchalan, state secretary VG Jagadesan said DMK’s denial of permission helped to receive more publicity for the annual event.
The RSS organised path sanchalan in several locations in Chennai, including Chromepet, Egmore, Korattur, Manali, Medavakkam, and Paadianallur, drawing substantial public participation. The events featured swayam sevaks in full uniform, and the public turnout was notable, culminating in a large gathering for speeches by RSS karyakarthas.
However, the turnout for the rallies in Chennai was moderate compared to the massive crowd of over 1.5 million that attended the Indian Air Force (IAF) air show on the same day. Attendees experienced difficulties with insufficient transportation services provided by the Metro and buses, leading to hardships, including reports of five fatalities due to dehydration and suffocation.
Jagadeesan, an RSS Karyakarta, expressed frustration over the necessity of seeking court intervention each year for permission to hold path sanchalan, attributing this challenge to the ruling government in Tamil Nadu.
In Coimbatore, path sanchalan were held in Vadavalli and Sivananda Colony under tight police security, reflecting the ongoing tensions surrounding such events in the state.
Uttar Tamil Nadu RSS Sarsanghchalak Ma Kumaraswamy highlighted the organisation’s significant history in a recent statement, announcing plans to celebrate its upcoming centenary. “The RSS is nearing its 100th year after successfully completing 99 years,” he stated. To commemorate this milestone, the RSS organised path sanchalan across 58 locations on October 6, with a special event scheduled in Thoothkudi on October 20.
Kumaraswamy described the experience of witnessing the march past of uniformed cadres, emphasising their straight posture and focused demeanor, which he believes instills a sense of self-confidence, national unity, and patriotism among participants. “Path sanchalans are being organised across Bharat, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Gujarat to Arunachal Pradesh,” he added.
He further recalled the historical significance of the RSS during the 1962 Chinese invasion, mentioning that then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru recognised the organisation’s contributions during the conflict. Nehru subsequently invited the RSS to participate in the 1963 Republic Day parade in Delhi, where members attended in full uniform. “This is history,” Kumaraswamy noted, underscoring the organisation’s long-standing legacy.
Kumaraswamy expressed his concerns over what he described as a hate campaign against the RSS in Tamil Nadu. He stated, “It is sad to see a hate campaign against RSS in Tamil Nadu. The RSS never preaches caste discrimination or hatred against any community, nor do we indulge in violence.”
Kumaraswamy lamented the challenges the organisation faces in obtaining permissions for path sanchalan and public meetings, highlighting that both the government and the police often deny these requests. “Unfortunately, we have to approach the judiciary for help. This approach is totally wrong and a gross violation of the Constitution, which grants us fundamental rights,” he emphasised.
He noted that the Madras High Court has supported the RSS’s cause, criticising the government’s justifications for denying permission as fanciful and flimsy. “The High Court upheld our fundamental right to organise path sanchalan and public meetings. We hope that in the coming years, we will not face any resistance from the government in denying permission to our path sanchalan and public meetings, and that we will not be forced to knock on the doors of the court,” Kumaraswamy added.
As the RSS approaches its centenary year, Ma Kumaraswamy announced plans to promote awareness around five key principles: the greatness of family culture, social harmony, self-reliance, environmental protection, and the duties of citizens. “We appeal to the public to join hands with us in carrying out nationalist service,” he stated.
In the neighboring Union Territory of Puducherry, RSS path sanchalan and public meetings were successfully held, drawing significant attendance. As in previous years, these events saw a strong turnout, reflecting the community’s continued faith in the organisation.
