In a historic display of public support, an estimated 50,000 people gathered in Chittapur on November 16 to welcome the RSS Path Sanchalan, marking an unprecedented turnout in the region. The event, held as part of the ongoing centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has generated political buzz, especially since it comes months after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge allegedly attempted to curb Sangh activities in his home turf.
November 16’s massive gathering is being viewed as a direct public rebuke to Kharge’s stance and a significant morale boost for RSS workers. Social media platforms were flooded with posts hailing the “historic Hindu unity” witnessed in Chittapur, with many calling it a “befitting reply” to those who questioned the relevance, work and influence of the Sangh.
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The RSS Path Sanchalan began with around 300 swayamsevaks marching in uniform. Still, the real show of strength came from the public, residents from villages across the taluk poured in to welcome the procession, lining the roadsides, rooftops, and junctions. For Chittapur, which has never witnessed such numbers for a volunteer march, the turnout is being termed a record-breaking event, one that signalled the Sangh’s expanding influence despite political attempts to downplay its activities.
Addressing the gathering at Bajaj Kalyan Mantapa after the procession, RSS leader Krishna Joshi delivered a sharp message to those who habitually question the organisation’s purpose.
“Today we are celebrating 100 years of the RSS. Many people ask what the Sangh has done. But before asking such questions, look at Chittapur today,” he said, pointing towards the massive crowd. He reminded the audience that RSS was founded on Vijayadashami in 1925 and had since worked tirelessly to organise lakhs of volunteers.
He criticised the tendency to undermine the organisation’s contributions, stating, “Hindus were once unorganised. The Sangh united them. Whenever this country rose to glory, Hindus were responsible. Whenever it declined, Hindus were responsible too. Hindus must remain united, and that is what the Sangh has achieved.”
Joshi highlighted how the RSS has worked to instil a strong sense of Hindutva across regions, including Assam, Manipur and Meghalaya. “The Sangh has brought patriotic consciousness to areas that were slipping away. The support we see in Chittapur today reflects what RSS has built over the years. We must never again ask what the Sangh has done,” he asserted.
In a pointed remark aimed at detractors, Joshi said, “Our opponents are only those who try to divide India. RSS has always worked for Maa Bharati.” He emphasised the Sangh’s role in national issues such as the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the abrogation of Article 370.
Joshi also elaborated on the organisation’s vast network: “RSS undertakes activities in education, security, economics and social service, with 36 organisations functioning within six broader wings. The Sangh is active in 40 countries, organising Hindus globally. We are not against anyone except the forces that attempt to fragment this nation.”
