Dialogue and Elections Necessary for Change Regarding Youth Issues: Hosabhal

Following the conclusion of the three-day annual meeting of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Indore, General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabhal issued statements on several important issues. According to a report by Hindustan Times, Hosabhal stated that it is extremely essential to focus on the aspirations and grievances of the youth and to establish a dialogue for the same. He also warned about certain "anarchist forces" within and outside the country, who are attempting to incite and misuse the youth for political interests, social division, and violence.

When questioned regarding the recent 'Gen Z' protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, Hosabhal stated that some anarchist forces inside and outside the country are conspiring to incite the youth. According to a PTI report, he added that any society and government should pay attention to the aspirations and concerns of the youth, and the Sangh insists on establishing a dialogue with them.

Hosabhal referred to the JP Movement of the 1970s led by Jayaprakash Narayan, which was then against the government of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He said that anti-establishment sentiments arise in every young generation. He further stated that there are ways to channel this energy in the right direction, but using it for political selfishness, attempting to break society, or using violence is not appropriate at all, and the Sangh opposes this. He admitted that he himself had participated in protests in anger when he was young and was involved in the JP Movement. According to Hosabhal, youth energy is important but should be directed correctly instead of being used as a political weapon.

Speaking on bringing about a change in government, Hosabhal clarified that in India's democratic system, a change in government should occur only through elections. He said that spreading unrest, division, or violence for 'regime change' is not in the interest of society. He emphasised that political change through elections is legal in a democracy, but spreading anarchy is wrong.

Amidst discussions on electoral roll reforms, Hosabhal supported the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) conducted by the Election Commission. According to a News18 report, he said it is necessary to make voter lists error-free and pure. He argued that the names of deceased voters, duplicate entries, and non-citizens should be removed in this process. According to Hosabhal, approximately 13 crore names have been removed from the lists through this process. Mentioning the tenure of former Chief Election Commissioner T.N. Seshan, he said that regardless of the government, voter lists were purified then as well. He also mentioned that he himself received a notice during this process, but since he followed the procedure, he had no objection to it.

Alternatively, Hosabhal expressed surprise at the opposition by the opposition parties against the SIR. He said that in a democracy, political parties can work according to their agendas, but the opposition should not oppose merely for the sake of opposing, but should investigate whether there is truth in the issue. He added that voters whose names were removed by mistake can find remedies through the Election Commission or the courts. He described those opposing this process as politically motivated.

On the issue of reservation and quotas, Hosabhal stated that reservation should continue until social and educational inequalities arising from discrimination are removed. He emphasised that its benefits should reach all eligible communities. If beneficiaries wish, reforms can be considered, but reservation should not be used for vote-bank politics.

In response to questions regarding the registration of the RSS, Hosabhal clarified that no law makes the registration of the RSS mandatory. He argued that the Sangh is not separate from society but is an attempt to organise it. He said the organisation functions according to its constitution and has received judicial support when permission was denied in states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The reference to Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge repeatedly requesting the RSS to register and disclose its financial details is also significant here.

Talking about the role of the Sangh at the international level, Hosabhal said that the RSS has no intention of becoming an international organisation. However, the Sangh becomes active abroad when invited by foreign media, legislators, universities, and think tanks to explain its work, respond to criticism, or present its perspective.

Announcing major changes in the organisational structure, Hosabhal stated that there has been a 150% increase in RSS shakhas in West Bengal over the last year, which is consistent with the formation of the BJP government in the state. He said that previously, while attempting to run shakhas there, they faced direct and physical opposition, but the situation has now changed. He further stated that after organisational elections in November-December, new presidents and executive committees will be selected, and 88 divisions will be created. Future action plans will be prepared from the perspective of these 88 divisions.

Mentioning past violence against Sangh workers, Hosabhal said that in North-Eastern areas, including Tripura, Assam, and Kerala, Sangh workers were murdered. Despite this, the organisation continues its expansion.

On the growing issue of drugs, Hosabhal stated that the administration is working to tackle the drug network and the Home Minister is taking steps in this direction. The Sangh is also focusing on awareness, rehabilitation, and mental counselling. A dedicated project to address this issue was also discussed in the meeting. Speaking about social media and OTT content, he admitted that it is difficult to stop technological influence solely through restrictions. Referring to the ban on TikTok and internet rules for children, he said that governments can bring rules, but families and society have an equally important responsibility.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is a leading organisation with a Hindu nationalist ideology in India, serving as the ideological foundation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It is a voluntary organisation engaged in social service and nation-building activities.