Communal Organisations | SabrangIndia https://sabrangindia.in/category/communal-organisations/ News Related to Human Rights Fri, 04 Jul 2025 07:13:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.2 https://sabrangindia.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Favicon_0.png Communal Organisations | SabrangIndia https://sabrangindia.in/category/communal-organisations/ 32 32 Emergency regime and the role of RSS https://sabrangindia.in/emergency-regime-and-the-role-of-rss/ Fri, 04 Jul 2025 07:13:59 +0000 https://sabrangindia.in/?p=42612 The RSS’ claim that they were the main force of ‘resistance’ during the 15-month period of the Emergency is not borne out by record

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This June (2025), the country did observe the 50th year of the Emergency which was imposed by Indira Gandhi in 1975. Long columns have been written about this period when many democratic liberties stood suspended, thousands were jailed and the media was muzzled. This period is seen very differently by some Dalit leaders who recall the radical measures taken by Indira Gandhi in the previous decade like nationalisation of Banks and abolition of privy purses.  Enough has already been written and analysed.

On this occasion the Union Cabinet passed a resolution condemning that period and praising those who sacrificed opposing this event. It was resolved to “commemorate and honour the sacrifices of countless individuals who valiantly resisted the Emergency and its attempt at subversion of the spirit of Indian Constitution, a subversion which began in 1974 with a heavy-handed attempt at crushing the Navnirman Andolan and Sampoorna Kranti Abhiyan.” The BJP is putting heavy emphasis on its great role during the 21 months of that period. This matches with the claims of RSS that it was they who were the major force opposing the emergency. Like most of the outfit’s other claims this one is also devoid of any element of truth.

Some work in independent media tells a different tale. Prabhash Joshi, one of the doyens of journalism wrote, “Balasaheb Deoras, then RSS chief, wrote a letter to Indira Gandhi pledging to help implement the notorious 20-point program of Sanjay Gandhi. This is the real character of the RSS…You can decipher a line of action, a pattern. Even during the Emergency, many among the RSS and Jana Sangh who came out of the jails gave mafinamas (mercy petition). They were the first to apologise… Atal Bihari Vajpayee was [most of the time in hospital]… But the RSS did not fight the Emergency. So why is the BJP trying to appropriate that memory?” He concludes that “they are not a fighting force, and they are never keen to fight. They are basically a compromising lot. They are never genuinely against the government”.

TV Rajeswar, who served as Governor of Uttar Pradesh and Sikkim penned a book, ‘India: The Crucial Years” [Harper Collins] corroborated the fact that Not only they (RSS) were supportive of this [Emergency], they wanted to establish contact apart from Mrs. Gandhi, with Sanjay Gandhi also”.

While many socialists and communists were undergoing the prison sentence, the RSS cadres were restless to get released from jail. Subramanian Swami of BJP in an article in The Hindu narrated the emergency story. (June 13, 2000) he claimed that RSS chief Balasaheb Deoras and former Prime Minister AB Vajpayee betrayed the anti-Emergency movement by writing letters of apology to India Gandhi. “It is on the record in the Maharashtra Assembly proceedings that the then RSS chief, Balasaheb Deoras, wrote several apology letters to Indira Gandhi from inside the Yerawada jail in Pune disassociating the RSS from the JP-led movement and offering to work for the infamous 20-point program. She did not reply to any of his letters.” (The 20-point program and Sanjay Gandhi’s five-point are cited by the Congress regime to justify the imposition of the Emergency, in its endeavour to Regenerate India).

One of my friends, Dr. Suresh Khairnar, ex-President of the Rashtriya Seva Dal was also in jail during this time. When he saw the RSS cadres signing the mafinama (mercy petition), he was furious at this act of betrayal and confronted them. As per their style they said what they are doing is as per the path which was taken by Tatyarao (V D Savarkar). So true of the strategies of the Hindu nationalists!

One also remembers that when A.B.Vajpayee was arrested in Bateshwar near Agra while overlooking the procession participating in Jungle Satyagraha, which pulled down the Union Jack from the government building and hoisted tricolor. Vajpayee immediately wrote a letter and disassociated from the 1942 Quit India Movement. He got his release immediately. The followers of this ideology have been well characterized by Prabhash Joshi above.

While the verbal aggressive language of theirs is so loud, their practice is different. When Vajpayee led the NDA Government in 1998, human rights activists did feel the difference. Until then, several committed human rights workers had regarded Congress and BJP as two sides of the same coin. The Vajpayee’s period, however, opened the eyes of many to the fact that BJP is a party with a difference. That was despite the fact that BJP on its own did not have the full majority that time.

Now Modi has been in the saddle for nearly eleven years. In 2014 and 2019 he got full majority. And with this full majority; the true colours of their credentials are loudly apparent. While the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi followed a laid down procedure in the Constitution, however manipulated, what we are now witnessing an ‘undeclared emergency’. In 2015, in an interview with Shekhar Gupta of Indian Express, none other than Lal Krishna Advani said, “Today it has been 40 years since the declaration of Emergency at that time. But for the last one year, an undeclared Emergency has been going on in India. (‘Indian Express’ dated 26-27 June 2015.)

Freedom of expression has been totally muzzled. Many have been imprisoned for daring to speak the truth.  Freedom of religion is going for a freefall. Justice is being overtaken by bulldozer justice. The intimidation and torture of minorities on the pretext of love jihad, cow-beef is abominable. Many eminent social activists have been put behind the bars in the Bhima Koregaon case. Muslim activists like Umar Khalid, Gulfisha Fatima are incarcerated even though their cases are not coming up for hearing. Corporate controlled media is ever ready to plead for the government’s policies and suppress the dissenting voices.

While the Union Cabinet and RSS and other linked organisations are taking all the credit for resisting the emergency of 1975, the present regime has been imposing the same by other means. The index of democracy on the global scale is constantly on the decline. There is a need to introspect and overcome the undeclared emergency which India is undergoing at present.

Related:

On the 50th anniversary of India’s formal ‘Emergency’, how the RSS betrayed the anti-emergency struggle

How RSS betrayed the struggle against the Emergency, from its archives

RSS as worshippers of brute power did not oppose 1975 Emergency

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On the 50th anniversary of India’s formal ‘Emergency’, how the RSS betrayed the anti-emergency struggle https://sabrangindia.in/on-the-50th-anniversary-of-indias-formal-emergency-how-the-rss-betrayed-the-anti-emergency-struggle/ Tue, 24 Jun 2025 09:31:32 +0000 https://sabrangindia.in/?p=42419 How the authoritarian proto-fascist RSS not only in a sense supported India’s formal Emergency (1975-77), filed mercy petitions for early release from prison but also –in sharp contrast—played no part in the fierce and challenging struggle for India’s freedom against colonial rule

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The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), as a Hindutva Gurukul (university) specialises in training cadres in speaking falsehoods and fabricating history. As the latest proof of this core propaganda push, we find that, on the 50th anniversary of the Emergency [1975-77 to 2025], every Tom, Dick, and Harry from the RSS enlightening Indians on how the RSS stood against the Emergency, how ‘valiantly its cadres challenged the dictatorial rule of Indira Gandhi and made great sacrifices during anti-Emergency movement.’ In its latest issue of the RSS (English) organ, the Organizer (June 24, 2025) presenting PM Modi as the singular symbol of the fight against Emergency has stated:

“The lesson had been burned into public memory. The Emergency became more than a chapter in history. It became a warning. For Narendra Modi, it was not just a past event. It was part of his personal journey. As Prime Minister, he has often reminded the nation of those dark times…It was about imprisoning free thought, art, and expression. That period left behind not just scars, but reminders. It taught us that freedom is earned, not gifted.” [i]

Let us take first, examine the claim that the RSS-BJP rulers are/have been committed to the liberal democratic values as a faith. The most prominent ideologue of the RSS, MS Golwalkar, also known as the ‘Guru of Hate’ [whom PM Modi credits for grooming him into a political leader] while addressing the 1350 top level cadres of the RSS in 1940 declared, “RSS inspired by one flag, one leader and one ideology is lighting the flame of Hindutva in each and every corner of this great land.” [ii]

With such a philosophical love for totalitarianism the RSS has, always hated sharing of power. Proponents of the Sangh have stood in strong opposition to the federal structure of the constitution, a ‘Basic’ feature of the India polity. Golwalkar declared in 1961, “Today’s federal form of government not only gives birth but also nourishes the feelings of separatism… It must be completely uprooted, constitution purified, and unitary form of government be established.” [iii]

So far as the formally declared Emergency is concerned, the RSS claim of fighting against it needs to be evaluated in the light of contemporary narratives including documents from RSS archives. In this connection, two narratives one by a veteran thinker and journalist of India, Prabhash Joshi and the other by TV Rajeswar, former Intelligence Bureau [IB] chief who was the deputy chief of IB during the Emergency are of immense importance. They recounted the days of the Emergency (or state terrorism) when the RSS ‘surrendered to the repressive regime of Indira Gandhi’, ‘assured her and her son, Sanjay Gandhi to enforce faithfully the draconian 20-point programme announced by the Emergency regime.’ In fact, a large number of RSS cadres got themselves released from jails after mercy petitions (maafinaamas).

The account by veteran journalist, Prabhash Joshi appeared in the English weekly Tehelka n the 25th anniversary of the Emergency. [iv] According to him even during the Emergency “there was always a lurking sense of suspicion, a distance, and a discreet lack of trust” about RSS’ joining the anti-Emergency struggle. He went on to say that,

“Balasaheb Deoras, then RSS chief, wrote a letter to Indira Gandhi pledging to help implement the notorious 20-point programme of Sanjay Gandhi. This is the real character of the RSS…You can decipher a line of action, a pattern. Even during the Emergency, many among the RSS and Jana Sangh who came out of the jails, gave mafinamas. They were the first to apologize. Only their leaders remained in jail: Atal Behari Vajpayee [most of the time in hospital], LK Advani, even Arun Jaitley. But the RSS did not fight the Emergency. So why is the BJP trying to appropriate that memory?”

Prabhash Joshi concluded that “they are not a fighting force, and they are never keen to fight. They are basically a compromising lot. They are never genuinely against the government”.

TV Rajeswar, who served as Governor of Uttar Pradesh and Sikkim penned a book, ‘India: The Crucial Years” [Harper Collins] corroborated the fact that “Not only they (RSS) were supportive of this [Emergency], they wanted to establish contact apart from Mrs. Gandhi, with Sanjay Gandhi also”. [v] Rajeswar in an interview with Karan Thapar disclosed that Deoras,

“Quietly established a link with the PM’s house and expressed strong support for several steps taken to enforce order and discipline in the country. Deoras was keen to meet Mrs. Gandhi and Sanjay. But Mrs. Gandhi refused.” [vi]

According to Rajeswar’s book,

Sanjay Gandhi’s concerted drive to enforce family planning, particularly among Muslims, had earned Deoras’s approbation.” [vii] Rajeswar also shared the fact that even after Emergency the “organization (RSS) had specifically conveyed its support to the Congress in the post-emergency elections.” [viii] It will be interesting to note that even according to Subramanian Swamy during the Emergency period, most of the senior leaders of RSS had betrayed the struggle against the Emergency. [ix]

Contemporary documents in the archives of the RSS validate the narratives of Prabhash Joshi and Rajeswar. The 3rd Supremo of RSS, Madhukar Dattatraya Deoras wrote the first letter to Indira Gandhi within two months of the imposition of Emergency. It was the time when state terror was running amok, crushing the human rights of thousands of Indians.

In letter dated August 22, 1975, Deoras began with the following praise of Indira:

“I heard your address to the nation which you delivered on August 15, 1975, from Red Fort on radio in jail [Yervada jail] with attention. Your address was timely and balanced so I decided to write to you”. [x]

Indira Gandhi did not respond to it. So Deoras wrote another letter to Indira on November 10, 1975. He began his letter with congratulating her on being cleared by the Supreme Court of disqualification which was ordered by the Allahabad High Court,

“All the five Justices of the Supreme Court have declared your election constitutional, heartiest greetings for it.” It is to be noted that opposition was firmly of the opinion that this judgment was reflective of executive pressure on the judiciary. Deoras also stated that “RSS has been named in context of Jaiprakash Narayan’s movement. The government has also connected RSS with Gujarat movement and Bihar movement without any reason…Sangh has no relation with these movements…” [xi]

Since Indira Gandhi did not respond to this letter either, RSS chief got hold of Vinoba Bhave who supported the Emergency religiously and was a favourite of Indira Gandhi. In a letter dated January 12, 1976, he begged that Acharya should suggest the way that ban on RSS was removed. [xii]  Since Acharya too did not respond to Deoras letter, the latter in another letter without date wrote in desperation,

“According to press reports respected PM [Indira Gandhi] is going to meet you at Pavnar Ashram on January 24. At that time there will be discussion about the present condition of the country. I beg you to try to remove the wrong assumptions of PM about RSS so that ban on RSS is lifted and RSS members are released from jails. We are looking forward for the times when RSS and its members are able to contribute to the plans of progress which are being run in all the fields under the leadership of PM.” [xiii]

[All these letters in Hindi are being reproduced from a publication of the RSS at the end of this article.]

Even a prominent Hindutva ideologue Balraj Madhok who as an RSS whole-timer founded Bhartiya Jana Sangh (1951) on RSS command confessed:

“Sarsanghchalak of the Sangh Shri Bal Saheb Deoras was a MISA prisoner in Pune’s Yervada Jail…his life was full of comforts. Therefore, he wrote two letters to the jailed Indira Gandhi on 22-08-1975 and 10-11-1975 to change her attitude towards the Sangh and lift the ban on it. He also wrote a letter to Shri Vinoba Bhave and requested him to try to remove the feeling of opposition towards the Sangh from Indira Gandhi’s mind. These letters were leaked by the government and they were published in many newspapers. This naturally had an adverse effect on the morale of the Sangh volunteers and the Satyagraha movement became almost dead.”

[Madhok, Balraj, Zindagi Ka Safar –3: Deendayal Upadhyay Ki Hatya Se Indira Gandhi Ki Hatya Tak (Journey of Life-3: From the Murder of Deendayal Upadhyay to the Murder of Indira Gandhi), Dinman Prakashan, 2003, pp. 188-189.]

Incidentally, another tidbit from history. Former President of the Indian Republic, Pranab Mukherjee was invited by the RSS chief, Mohan Bhagwat as the chief guest of the graduation ceremony of its new recruits who are fired to work towards their goal to convert India into a Hindu state. Pranab Mukherjee had been indicted as one of the top leaders of Congress for Emergency excesses.

It is shameful that despite these facts thousands of RSS cadres continue to get monthly pension for the persecution during Emergency. The BJP ruled states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra have decided to award a monthly pension of Rs 20,000 to those who were jailed during the Emergency period for less than 2 months, and Rs 10,000 to those who were jailed for less than a month. These policy decisions by RSS-backed BJP states have taken care of the financial interest of those RSS cadres who (even) submitted mercy letters completing only one- or two-months’ jail term. For securing such a significant amount in pension, no condition was applied –to the effect that the beneficiary should have been in jail for the whole period of the Emergency!

Interestingly, in sharp contrast, in the case of anti-colonial (British) freedom struggle there has not been even a single person from RSS cadres to have claimed the freedom fighter pension. It may be noted that nobody remembers hundreds of Communist youths, branded as Naxals killed in fake encounters during the Emergency. Interestingly, Shiv Sena, the Hindutva co-traveller of the RSS also openly supported the Emergency.

Tavleen Singh, a senior journalist who had once welcomed Modi’s ascendancy to power in 2014 did not mince words while evaluating Indian democracy on the 50th anniversary of declaration of Emergency,

 “Brutal repression of democratic rights can happen again, and the answer is that it can, but in a more dangerously subtle way. There are those who say that since Narendra Modi became prime minister, an ‘undeclared emergency’ has come into force. I hesitate to make sweeping judgements of that kind, but what has happened is that some freedoms we took for granted have become endangered. This has been done not by throwing Opposition leaders, journalists and dissidents into jail, but by tweaking the laws to make curbs on freedom legally possible.

“The law that is supposed to prevent sedition has been tweaked to widen the definition of that word. Laws meant to curb black money have been tweaked as well and if a dissident does not end up in jail for ‘anti-national activities’, he could end up rotting in some forgotten cell because the Enforcement Directorate charges him with money laundering. The Opposition leaders who have these charges thrown at them have fought back valiantly because they have political parties behind them, but dissidents and journalists have just learned to keep quiet. Is that good? Is that democracy?”

So, writing on the wall is clear. India had Emergency imposed using some Articles of the Indian constitution and same was rescinded. Presently without Indira Gandhi and Congress government we have perpetual ‘undeclared’ Emergency under Modi rule. It needs not to be withdrawn as was never declared!

 

[i] ‘National Emergency 1975: The murder of the Indian republic on June 25,  https://organiser.org/2025/06/24/298840/bharat/national-emergency-1975-the-murder-of-the-indian-republic-on-june-25/

[ii] Golwalkar, MS, Shri Guruji Samagar Darshan (collected works of Golwalkar in Hindi), Bhartiya Vichar Sadhna, Nagpur, nd., vol. I, p. 11.

[iii] Ibid. vol. III, p. 128.

[iv] http://archive.tehelka.com/story_main13.asp?filename=op070205And_Not_Even.asp

[v] https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rss-backed-indira-gandhis-emergency-ex-ib-chief-264127-2015-09-21

[vi] Ibid.

[vii] https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/ib-ex-chiefs-book-rss-chief-deoras-had-backed-some-emergency-moves/

[viii] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/RSS-backed-Emergency-reveals-former-IB-chief/articleshow/49052143.cms

[ix] https://medium.com/@hindu.nationalist1/double-game-of-senior-rss-leaders-during-emergency-74abc07a4fa8

[x] Madhukar Dattatraya Deoras, Hindu Sangathan aur Sattavaadi Rajneeti, Jagriti Prkashan, Noida, 1997, 270.

[xi] Ibid., 272-73

[xii] Ibid. 275-77.

[xiii] Ibid. 278.

(The author is a former professor of Hindi, Delhi University and a scholar on recent Indian modern history)

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are the author’s personal views, and do not necessarily represent the views of Sabrangindia.

Related:

How RSS betrayed the struggle against the Emergency, from its archives

RSS had no role in the freedom struggle

We or Our Nationhood Defined – 1947 Edition

The Ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is both Hate-Ridden and Supremacist – Part 1

‘Old Wine in New bottle’: Bhagwat on Caste

The Sangh’s Hypocrisy on Dalits, It’s Time to Read ‘Bunch of Thoughts’, Again!

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Undermining religious freedom: Proffering ‘integral humanism’ as a right wing defence https://sabrangindia.in/undermining-religious-freedom-proffering-integral-humanism-as-a-right-wing-defence/ Mon, 23 Jun 2025 07:53:16 +0000 https://sabrangindia.in/?p=42396 In the name of ‘integral humanism, extreme pro right wing ideologues are putting forward, again, an ideology of a majoritarian Hindutva state

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During the past four decades India has witnessed the rising intimidation and targeting of religious minorities. After the demolition of the Babri mosque the country witnessed unprecedented violence in Mumbai leading to the loss of nearly one thousand lives (1992-1993). In 1999 the most horrific act of burning alive of pastor Graham Stains, labelled as the ‘most ghastly incident from the inventory of black deeds’ by the then President of India Dr. K.R. Narayanan, took place. The Gujarat carnage was orchestrated in the aftermath of the ghastly Godhra train burning, leading to massive polarisation along religious lines and the victory of BJP in subsequent elections. Later the massive Kandhamal violence on the pretext of the murder of Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati, a prominent right wing Vishva Hindu Parishad leader, on August 23, 2008, along with four of his disciples, in Odisha (formerly Orissa), osensibly by Maoists (though this was explicitly denied by the Maoist organisation later), led to attacks on Churches and loss of lives. The   violence in Muzzafarnagar in UP 2013 and in Delhi 2019, are few other major acts of violence; which have tormented the country.

This is not all. The violence in the name of ‘cow slaughter’ by vigilantes, ‘love jihad’ killings targeting inter-faith relationships and marriages have added to the fire of anti-minority hatred. The enactment of the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 (CAA2019) has added to the woes of the Muslim community. Finally, the attacks on scattered prayer meetings of Christians on the pretext that these meetings are meant for conversions has kept up anti minority hate  and is getting intensified during the last few decades.

There is a gross violation of the rights of minorities and violation of the ‘Freedom of Religion’ in various forms. ‘Freedom of Religion’ acts have been implemented recklessly in various states. These laws as such are a big hurdle for the practice of one’s religion. This suppression of practice of religion added on with the hate against minorities has led to the total intimidation of religious minorities. We also witnessed the hateful rhetoric used during the 2024 national elections, the ongoing demolition of Muslim homes and the government’s renewed push to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 (CAA 2019)—a law that, especially when coupled with the National Register of Citizens (NRC), risks rendering millions of Muslims stateless and without legal protection.

This image of India being created by the acts by the BJP Government and Hindutva politics has had an adverse effect on India’s international image and standing. Attempts are on to mask up this image which reflects India’s falling position on various indices’ related to freedom and democracy. How does the Government and ruling ideological outfit of RSS deal with this reality? To begin with, India at official level does not recognise any of the agencies monitoring rankings related to human rights in particular. The government states that this is interference in the ‘internal matters’ of our country. The same Government shouts itself hoarse when the atrocities on Hindus take place in neighbouring countries. To raise concern about these atrocities is valid but the Government displays double standards on this.

To add up to the strategy of undermining the deteriorating condition of Indian minorities, now Mr. Ram Madhav, leader of RSS-BJP, in an article argues that this way of looking at violation of religious freedom is through a ‘Eurocentric lens’. In an endorsing way he presents the report of a US based think tank, “Changing the conversation about religious freedom: An integral human development approach”. As per this report “a crucial component of overall human flourishing and sustainable development has to be based on Integral Humanism”. He comments that religious freedom should not just be treated as relating to Human Rights. (I.E. June 14). This is a clever ploy to undermine the freedom of religion in the country.

As per Madhav invading Mughal armies ‘persecuted Hindus’. He puts the blame of Partition exclusively on Muslim League. In contrast to Madhav’s understanding the leader of India’s freedom movement, Gandhi saw diverse religions rooted in India and thriving with harmony. On similar lines Nehru saw our civilisation as a syncretic one. He writes “She (Bharat Mata) was like some ancient palimpsest on which layer upon layer of thought and reverie had been inscribed, and yet no succeeding layer had completely hidden or erased what had been written previously.”  

Madhav tells us about the concept of ‘Integral Humanism’ which was first propounded by Jacques Maritain in 1936. He was a Catholic Christian and has been appreciated by the highest priests of the Church. As per Madhav his concept of Integral Humanism argued to rise above religions to secure not only the material but ethical, moral and spiritual well-being of individuals. Articulating this in the context of Catholic Christianity, it might have aimed to oppose those who were trying to opt for non-Catholic sects of Christianity. He also argued for “The freedom which Christian democracy seeks to promote…”

In India this phrase was presented by BJP leader Deendayal Upadhaya, who also had an RSS background. He was part of a political outfit which is working for Hindu Nation. This ideology regards that India was enslaved by Muslim kings and then the British. This political ideology attributes many ills of Hindu society to atrocities of Muslim king in particular. The fact is that many of the ills regarding caste-Varna and gender hierarchy are mentioned in the earlier tomes regarded holy by Hindus. They are also unmindful of the fact that the administration of Muslim kings was full of upper caste Hindus at various levels.

In the four major lectures given by Upadhyay 1965 the ideology of ‘Integral Humanism’ was presented. This ideology argues against the federal structure of India and calls for ‘Dharma Raj’. As per him the Dharma is above parliament. It does argue for the predetermined role of Individual, i.e. subtly upholding caste-Varna system. It stands for status quo in society. Maritain advocated ‘Christian democracy’ while Upadhyay is part of the agenda of ‘Hindu Nation’. BJP has adopted ‘Integral Humanism’ as its ruling ideology.

The results of the Integral Humanism, which claims to be above religions, in practice adopts the values of Brahminical Hinduism and is raking up issues of temples (demolition of mosques), holy Cow (Lynching) Love Jihad and conversions as the core part of its agenda.

Integral Humanism is being put forward to undermine the values of Indian Constitution, rights of minorities, low caste and women in the present times. It may be a more sophisticated name for the agenda of Hindu Rashtra, something totally in opposition to the Indian Constitution.  

Related:

Right wing’s assault on mosques intensifies: UP Court to hear petition on Budaun’s Shamsi Shahi Mosque amid growing trend of similar targeting of minority shrines

Uttarakhand High Court orders security, condemns hate speech over Uttarkashi Mosque

Supreme Court urges UP government to maintain peace and harmony in Sambhal, prohibits the trial court from taking any further steps till January

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Right-wing outfits and NCP MLA’s protest led to dismissal of 114 Muslim workers at Shani Shingnapur temple in Maharashtra https://sabrangindia.in/right-wing-outfits-and-ncp-mlas-protest-led-to-dismissal-of-114-muslim-workers-at-shani-shingnapur-temple-in-maharashtra/ Thu, 19 Jun 2025 11:04:48 +0000 https://sabrangindia.in/?p=42334 In Ahmednagar’s Shri Shani Shingnapur temple, 114 Muslim workers were among 167 dismissed by the Shri Shaneshwar Devasthan trust. While the reasons cited were alleged disciplinary lapses it is no coincidence that right-wing groups—Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS), Sakal Hindu Samaj (SHS), and an MLA belonging to the NCP—had earlier protested and demanded the removal of Muslim employees at temple, claiming temple donations serve ‘Hindu causes’ and that the ‘sanctity of temple’ would be marred; following dismissals, these groups hailed the action, while the temple trust denied religious bias

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Shani Shingnapur, a village renowned for its unique tradition of houses without doors or locks, now finds itself at the centre of a different kind of closure. The Shri Shaneshwar Devasthan Trust, which oversees the administration of the revered temple, has made a controversial decision on June 14, 2025 that effectively closed its doors to a significant number of Muslim workers. Through the dismissal of 167 contractual employees, a striking 114 of whom are Muslim, the Trust has ignited a heated debate.

This move by the temple authorities came directly on the heels of intense pressure and vocal demands from pro-right-wing organisations and even a local NCP MLA, all demanding for the removal of non-Hindu workers from the temple’s operations. A protest rally led by Ahmednagar (Ahilyanagar) NCP MLA Sangram Jagtap was also organised on June 14, 2025.

Following pressure from right-wing outfits, the Shani Shingnapur Temple Trust held internal meetings on June 8 and 14. Soon after these closed-door deliberations, the Trust issued dismissal orders for 167 workers, marking a significant and controversial move, as per a report in Maktoob Media.

While the temple management has vehemently denied any allegations of religious discrimination or bias, asserting that the decision was based purely on absenteeism and subpar work performance, the timing of these dismissals has raised significant concerns.

Occurring just days after the public outcries from Hindutva groups, the sequence of events has led many observers to question the true underlying motives behind the Trust’s actions. The stark contrast between the village’s open-door philosophy and the sudden closure of opportunities for Muslim workers at the temple presents a complex and troubling narrative.

Viral video showing Muslim workers doing work near the temple ignites controversy and demands for exclusion

The seeds of this controversy were sown in May, when a video clip rapidly gained traction across social media platforms. This footage depicted Muslim individuals engaged in painting and maintenance activities in the vicinity of the revered Shani Shingnapur temple. Almost immediately, the video became a flashpoint, drawing sharp criticism and objections from an array of right-wing organisations and leaders.

Their core demand was unequivocal–non-Hindus, they insisted, should be barred from working within the ‘sacred precincts of the shrine’. This chorus of demands quickly intensified, building considerable pressure on the temple administration.

Notably, these terminations occurred without any prior public hearing or a formal, impartial investigation into the allegations or the workers’ performance. This abrupt action, coming on the heels of the viral video and the escalating demands, further fuelled the contentious narrative surrounding the temple’s employment practices.

Right-wing outfits earlier demanded the removal of the Muslim workers

The pro-right-wing organisations, including the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) and Sakal Hindu Samaj (SHS), led the campaign demanding the removal of Muslim workers from the Shani Shingnapur temple. These groups vehemently demanded the immediate removal of Muslim workers, expressing concerns about the sanctity of the temple and what they perceived as a disregard for Hindu sentiments.

Just a day before the dismissals, the HJS publicly called for immediate action. Through their official social media handle on X (formerly Twitter), the HJS stated, “Shocking! 114 Muslim workers deployed inside the sacred Shani Shingnapur temple; grill installed on holy platform, hurting Hindu sentiments. Demand for their immediate removal & strict action on officials who allowed this — @SG_HJS, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti. Govt urged to adopt Tirupati-like Hindu-only staff policy!”

Similarly, the Sakal Hindu Samaj, an allied pro-right-wing outfit of the HJS, also voiced its concerns days before the removal decision. The outfit, through a social media post on X, directly appealed to the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for immediate intervention, questioning the very sanctity of the temple with the presence of Muslim workers. Their post on X read:

“Shani Mandir Trust at Shani Shingnapur in #Ahilyanagar has given jobs to 118 Muslims. These heretics do not believe in #Hindu gods, how will they maintain the sanctity of this temple? Are we waiting for another #Tirupati laddu fiasco to happen or readying ourselves for opening of Mecca and Medina for non Muslims ? Especially since this temple comes under the control of the #Maharashtra government Request to @Dev_Fadnavis to take immediate action on this and maintain the sanctity of the temple.”

Right-wing outfits hail dismissals, call for similar review and action at other temples

Following the temple trust’s decision, right-wing outfits Sakal Hindu Samaj and Acharya Tushar Bhosale, chief of the BJP Spiritual Coordination Front, celebrated the move. Bhosale explicitly stated the dismissals were a direct result of pressure from a “grand march” organised by “the entire Hindu society” in protest of Muslim employees. He hailed it as a “victory of the unity of the entire Hindu society,” indicating a clear intent to influence temple employment practices based on religious identity.

Bhosale said that, “In protest of the appointment of Muslim employees at the Shani Shingnapur temple, all of us, under the leadership of the entire Hindu society, organized a grand march yesterday. But under the pressure of this march, the temple administration has announced that they are removing the Muslim employees from their jobs. I congratulate all the Shani devotees of the country and the entire Hindu society, because this is a victory of the unity of the entire Hindu society”

Similarly, the Sakal Hindu Samaj commended the temple’s action. They framed the dismissals as a response to “anger in the Hindu community” over Muslim employees allegedly installing grills on a sacred platform.

Beyond endorsing the Shingnapur decision, the Sakal Hindu Samaj, along with organisations like Hindu Janajagruti Samiti and Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh, has now publicly demanded investigations into the appointments of “people of other religions” in other government-managed temples, urging their “immediate” removal.

Temple body denies religious bias, cites performance issues amid discrimination allegations

Amid mounting allegations of religious discrimination, temple officials at Shani Shingnapur have firmly denied that faith played any role in the mass dismissal of workers. They claim the decision was based purely on operational efficiency, pointing out that only around 900 of the 2,400 contracted workers were regularly reporting for duty, while the rest were allegedly underperforming or frequently absent.

However, the move has sparked controversy, as the majority of those dismissed were low-wage Muslim labourers engaged in essential but menial tasks—such as sweeping, tending to the cowshed, agricultural work, and performing routine administrative duties. Many of these workers were hired without formal employment contracts, leaving them vulnerable and without legal safeguards.

Critics argue that the lack of documented performance reviews and transparent processes raises serious questions about the fairness and intent behind the dismissals, especially in light of the preceding pressure from right-wing groups demanding the removal of Muslim staff.

Controversy not new to Shingnapur

Religious discrimination is not a first-time controversy for the Shingnapur. In September 2024, Shingnapur Gram Panchayat passed a controversial resolution barring the registration of new Muslim voters, specifically targeting “recently arrived” individuals. Justified under claims of preventing “illegal Bangladeshi immigrants,” the move demanded the removal of existing Muslim names from electoral rolls. Civil rights groups condemned it as unconstitutional and sought legal action against the panchayat. Following widespread backlash, Sarpanch Rasika Patil issued a public apology, stating the resolution was misrepresented and no such action would be taken.

This incident followed an earlier resolution in August 2023, where the panchayat prohibited the allotment of village land for religious events—another decision widely criticised for targeting minority communities. Together, these actions suggest a troubling pattern of exclusion under the guise of administrative control.

Related:

The Right to Worship my God

Faith Knows No Religion: Banke Bihari Temple again rejects boycott call against Muslim artisans and businesses

Harmony vs disharmony in 2 states: Kerala temple welcomes Muslims; MP temple fires Muslims

 

 

 

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Police, Bajrang Dal and the Making of Anti-‘Love Jihad’ Squad in Madhya Pradesh https://sabrangindia.in/police-bajrang-dal-and-the-making-of-anti-love-jihad-squad-in-madhya-pradesh/ Tue, 10 Jun 2025 05:50:48 +0000 https://sabrangindia.in/?p=42099 A Bhopal gym turns into a flashpoint as cops and Hindutva groups push communal claims, banning Muslims, in the name of ‘love jihad’.

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Bhopal: After a series of videos emerged showing Madhya Pradesh police publicly parading crime accused forcing them to chant slogans like “Police hamari baap hai (police is our father)” and “Gaai hamari mata hai (cow is our mother)”, now, a new video from Bhopal shows a police officer – on camera, in uniform – warning Muslims to stay out of a gym, raising fresh concerns over the police’s involvement in promoting communal narratives.

The controversy, this time, centres on sub-inspector Dinesh Shukla, who is seen sitting with Bajrang Dal members in a purported video addressing people inside a gym, stating, “Yahan koi bhi Mohammadan na ayega, na training lene ayega, na training dene ayega. Meine keh diya (No Mohammedan will come here, neither to take training nor to give it. I have said it).”

SI Shukla, in a widely circulated video, appears to enforce an informal ban on the presence of Muslim men in public spaces like the gym, reflecting the language used by right-wing groups who push the ‘love jihad’ conspiracy theory. While the sub-inspector has been line attached, his presence, alongside self-declared vigilantes, has raised serious questions about the narrowing gap between law enforcement and ideological policing in Madhya Pradesh.

Slogans, raids and threats in the name of honour

Hindutva vigilantes have been increasingly targeting Muslim individuals in the state under the pretext of “love jihad”. The term lacks any legal basis but is still used to allege that Muslim men lure Hindu women into romantic relationships to convert them to Islam.

The Madhya Pradesh Police recently also formed a special investigation team (SIT) to probe allegations of forced religious conversions linked to a rape case.

Ayodhya Nagar police station station house officer (SHO) Mahesh Lilhare confirmed to The Wire that the incident took place on May 28 following a visit by members of Hindutva organisations to the gym. He said that the matter is under investigation, but the video that is circulating seems to be edited.

However, in another video from a gym in Bhopal, men associated with Hindutva organisations can be seen barging into the gym while shouting slogans like “Jai Shri Ram” and “Love jihad karne walon ko, joote maaro saalon ko (Beat up those who do love jihad).”

One of the men, who is also seen in the other video with SI Dinesh Shukla, is seen advising the gym management, asking, “Ladkiyon ko training kaun deta hai (Who trains the girls)?”

He continues, “Aap ek cheez dhyan rakho, agar love jihad ka case aapke gym mein ek bhi aata hai to uske zimmedar aap rahoge (Keep one thing in mind, if even one love jihad case comes up from your gym, you will be held responsible).”

The Wire cannot confirm the authenticity of video.

The man adds, “Hamara ek nivedan hai aapse, Hindu ladkiyon ke liye Hindu trainer hi rakhoge (We request you to appoint only Hindu trainers for Hindu girls).”

He is further heard saying, “Hamara main maqsad hai apni behen-betiyon ko love jihad se bachana (Our main aim is to protect our sisters and daughters from love jihad).”

Referring to past incidents, he adds, “Jis prakar ka kratya Indore mein hua, TIT College mein hua – love jihad nahi chalega (What happened in Indore, at TIT College – love jihad won’t be tolerated),” ending it with the slogan, “Love jihad murdabad (Down with love jihad)”.

A shared vocabulary of hate

According to the 2024 India Hate Lab report, nearly half of all recorded hate speeches, around 581 incidents, referred to conspiracy theories. Among the most common were terms like “love jihad,” “land jihad,” “population jihad,” “thook (spit) jihad,” and “vote jihad.”

SHO Mahesh Lilhare said, “There was a complaint from Hindutva organisations alleging that non-Hindu gym trainers were using Hindu names with the intent of carrying out love jihad or religious conversion. Several organisation members gathered, and our staff accompanied them to the gym. The name of the gym is still unknown, but we are contacting the girls to verify the details. We spoke to the sub-inspector in question, who denied making such a statement, saying the video was clipped. We have taken cognisance of the video and are investigating whether it is authentic or edited.”

He further stated that the police have no intention of acting against any caste or community. “Any action will be taken strictly according to rules and regulations, based on the outcome of the investigation. The police do not represent any religion or group. We are doing our job, as mandated under the IPC, CrPC, BNS and BNSS. Any language or terminology we use is strictly in line with legal provisions.”

While the police stress neutrality and adherence to legal procedures, the term “love jihad” has steadily seeped into public discourse, used freely by both political leaders and sections of the media.

Bhopal MP Alok Sharma was quoted as saying, “We are making a list and will be submitting it to the police. The police will do their work, the law will do its job, and in Madhya Pradesh, under Dr Mohan Yadav’s government, no one has permission to indulge in love jihad or land jihad. The law will take strict action against such people.”

This is not the first time Sharma has made such remarks. Recently, he publicly demanded sterilisation as a punishment for those allegedly involved in love jihad. In a similar aggressive rhetoric, Madhya Pradesh minister Vishwas Sarang had earlier said that such individuals should be shot in the chest.

Last month, a resident of Bhopal filed a petition in the Madhya Pradesh high court against the use of the term “love jihad” by major Hindi dailies accusing them of giving a communal angle to a rape case, and in doing so, linking the crime to entire Muslim community.

Advocate Deepak Bundele told The Wire that the matter will be heard on June 19.

Courtesy: The Wire

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Bengal arrests expose communal plot by members of Santani Ekta Manch, Punjab sees similar incident https://sabrangindia.in/bengal-arrests-expose-communal-plot-by-members-of-santani-ekta-manch-punjab-sees-similar-incident/ Fri, 02 May 2025 11:49:09 +0000 https://sabrangindia.in/?p=41571 Two men, linked to the Sanatani Ekta Manch, were arrested in West Bengal for attempting to incite communal tension by placing a Pakistani flag on the wall of a public toilet next to a railway station, leading to a police investigation and strong condemnation from the TMC, who accused the BJP and RSS of conspiracy, a similar incident occurred in Ludhiana, Punjab

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The Bongaon police have arrested two men for allegedly trying to incite communal tension by placing a Pakistani national flag on the wall of a public toilet next to a railway station in West Bengal’s North 24-Parganas district. The flag was spotted late on April 20, near Akaipur station, which falls under the jurisdiction of Gopalnagar police station.

According to police, the accused had also planned to write inflammatory slogans such as “Hindustan Murdabad” and “Pakistan Zindabad” on the wall to provoke unrest in the area.

In a post shared on social media platform X on May 1, Bongaon police said the act was deliberate and aimed at disturbing communal harmony. The duo, police said, have confessed to the act. “This was wilfully done to trigger communal disturbances,” the post read.

“We shall spare no efforts to bring to book those who are hatching such conspiracies” police said

Police arrested two active members of Sanatani Ekta Manch

A formal case has been registered against the two accused individuals, who are now in police custody. Authorities confirmed that a detailed investigation is currently underway to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy, including any possible links to larger groups or orchestrated campaigns aimed at provoking communal disharmony. Law enforcement officials have emphasised a zero-tolerance approach, stating that stringent legal action will be pursued against anyone found complicit in attempts to disturb public order or exploit religious sentiments for political or ideological gain.

The accused have been identified as Chandan Malakar (30) and Progyajit Mondal (45)—both residents of the local area. According to police sources, preliminary inquiries have revealed that the duo are active members of the Sanatani Ekta Manch, a right-wing outfit, and are reportedly affiliated with a national political party. Investigators are examining whether their actions were part of a coordinated effort to stir communal unrest, particularly in light of the timing and method of the incident.

TMC slams BJP and RSS for hatching conspiracies

Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale took to X to issue a scathing rebuke of what he described as an orchestrated attempt by right-wing forces to incite communal riots. In a strongly worded post, he stated, “THIS is how the BJP & Sangh Parivar are hatching conspiracies to incite communal riots. The deaths of 26 innocent Indians in a terror attack are being used by the shameless BJP & RSS to light fires within the country.” Gokhale linked the timing of the incident to recent national tragedies, suggesting that such provocations are being used to divert public attention and inflame religious tensions. Applauding the swift and decisive response by local authorities, he added, “Bengal will NEVER allow this.”

Echoing similar concerns, TMC MP Sagarika Ghose issued a fierce condemnation of the BJP, referring to it as the “Bhartiya Jumla Party.” In her statement, Ghose directly addressed the identities and motives of the accused: “The individuals named Chandan and Progyajit placed Pakistan flags, and when caught, confessed that they intended to create communal riots in Bengal. Saffron goons active in Bengal won’t succeed.”

She credited the vigilance of the West Bengal Police for preventing a potentially dangerous communal flare-up and reaffirmed her party’s commitment to maintaining peace and secularism in the state.

“They are up against the stern law enforcement of West Bengal Police,” Sagarika Ghose emphasised

Pakistani flag found outside Hanuman temple in Ludhiana, CCTV identifies gey accused

Similarly, on April 29, in Ludhiana (Punjab) a Pakistani flag was found placed outside the Mahabali Sankatmochan Shri Hanuman Temple in the Haibowal area, raising serious concerns about a targeted attempt to disturb communal harmony. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening around 5 PM, just before the temple was set to host its routine Balaji prayer service, which typically draws 10,000 to 15,000 devotees.

According to Rishi Jain, chairman of the temple committee and a resident of Ghumar Mandi, two unidentified individuals arrived on an Activa scooter, approached the temple’s main gate, and placed the Pakistani flags on the ground before quickly fleeing the scene. Their movements were clearly captured on the temple’s CCTV cameras, which have now become central to the investigation, reported Dainik Bhaskar.

Upon reviewing the footage, police identified the main accused as Vikram Anand, a resident of Chander Nagar, Ludhiana. He is believed to have acted with an accomplice, who remains unidentified. Both suspects are currently absconding, prompting a citywide search. Raids are underway to locate and apprehend them, according to Punjab Kesari.

Police register case, link motive to communal destabilisation

Confirming the development, Station House Officer (SHO) Ram Krishna of Haibowal Police Station stated that a case has been registered under sections related to promoting enmity between different groups and disturbing public peace. Authorities are also probing whether the act was a reaction to the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack or a deliberate show of allegiance intended to provoke unrest during a sensitive period.

According to Dainik Bhaskar, speaking to the media, Anuj Madan, another official associated with the temple, described the act as a premeditated attempt to inflame communal sentiments. He emphasised that the placement of the flag was not random but calculated, timed during a major weekly prayer event when the temple is heavily visited and emotions are already heightened.

A pattern or a lone incident? growing concern over intentions

The incident has sparked widespread outrage across Ludhiana, a city known for its communal balance. Religious leaders and civil society members have condemned the act, urging citizens to remain calm while demanding strict legal action against those responsible. The timing and nature of the incident have drawn parallels to the West Bengal case, where a similar flag placement incident occurred almost simultaneously, raising the question of whether these are isolated provocations or part of a larger, coordinated campaign aimed at destabilising peace in sensitive regions.


Related:

Nainital on communal edge after 75-year-old Muslim man booked for alleged rape of minor girl

Uttarakhand High Court orders security, condemns hate speech over Uttarkashi Mosque

Stop Nov 4 Mahapanchayat in Uttarakhand & “Dharma Sansad” in December: Former civil servants to Amit Shah

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Two Questions ‘anti-national’, says ABVP UP professor barred for life from setting exam papers https://sabrangindia.in/two-questions-anti-national-says-abvp-up-professor-barred-for-life-from-setting-exam-papers/ Tue, 08 Apr 2025 09:14:49 +0000 https://sabrangindia.in/?p=41005 Vigilante justice UP style had a professor, Seema Panwar debarred from examination work for life after the ABVP “objected” to the two questions on RSS, its parent organisation, in a political science paper, at the Chaudhary Charan Singh University reports Omar Rashid for The Wire

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New Delhi: A state government-run university in Adityanath-ruled Uttar Pradesh has barred a professor of an affiliate college in Meerut from all evaluation and examination work after far right student activists objected to two questions set by her about the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). This was reported in The Wire by Omar Rashid. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidharthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the RSS, protested against Professor Seema Panwar, accusing her of being “afflicted with some anti-national ideology.”

Soon after ABVP submitted its “memorandum to the administration” of the state-run Chaudhary Charan Singh University – a major educational institution in western UP – the institution obliged and decided to debar Panwar from all examination work for life. “She has been debarred from setting papers for life,” Dhirendra Kumar Verma, the registrar of the university, told The Wire on April 5.

The unseemly controversy surrounded the private MA political science final-year examination on the paper ‘State Politics in India,’ conducted on April 2 in the colleges affiliated to the CCSU. The ABVP objected to two questions that were about its parent organisation, the RSS.

In this paper, question number 87 asked which of the following were considered anomic groups – those alienated from society. Among the options were “Dal Khalsa, Naxalite Groups, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front and Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh.”

Yet another question, numbered 93, was a match-the-following test. The question seemed to link the RSS to the rise of religious and caste identity politics. The other options linked the BSP to Dalit politics, Mandal Commission to OBC politics and Shiv Sena to politics of regional identity.

  1. Rise of backward politics
    B. Rise of Dalit politics
    C. Rise of Religious and Caste identity politics
    D. Rise of regional identity politics
  2. Shiv Sena
    2. RSS
    3. BSP
    4. Mandal Commission

The correct answer was A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1

Reputed for its disruptive even violent activities in Delhi University (DU) and elsewhere too, the ABVP said the questions had described the RSS as the reason for the emergence of religious and caste politics on the basis of the available options.

“Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has been an apolitical, social, cultural and dedicated organization in the national interest on the basis of equality and national unity for the last 100 years,” the ABVP said. The wing of the RSS dubbed that the professor’s act was “anti-national” and demanded strict legal action by suspending the examiner who set the question paper in the “interest of students and the nation.”

A copy of the memorandum, shared by the ABVP’s Meerut wing, quoted by The Wire, stated, “The way Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has been added in the above question, it seems that the examiner who set the question paper, being afflicted with some anti-national ideology, has worked to tarnish the image of the Sangh among the students in the society and create a wrong narrative, whereas doing so is not in the national interest.”

The ABVP also threatened to launch a large protest if the university did not act against the examiner. Registrar Verma said that a team of the university’s vice-chancellor concluded that the questions found “objectionable” by the students were “controversial.”  Professor Panwar, who teaches at Meerut College, was asked for a clarification, following which she submitted a written apology.

“She expressed regret and said that it was not her intention. She said she set the questions as there was a chapter on it,” said Verma. The registrar said no further action was taken against her. “She apologised for the mistake. What else could she do,” said Verma.

Related:

Madhya Pradesh faculty accused by ABVP of allegedly “promoting Islam” due to a post on Ramadan greeting

‘Attack on free expression’: ABVP ‘insults’ Udaipur professor for FB post

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Bajrang Dal members booked for hurting religious sentiments in Malad, accused of deliberate provocation https://sabrangindia.in/bajrang-dal-members-booked-for-hurting-religious-sentiments-in-malad-accused-of-deliberate-provocation/ Wed, 02 Apr 2025 13:10:15 +0000 https://sabrangindia.in/?p=40907 A Bajrang Dal rally in Malad East sparked clashes when provocative slogans and a saffron flag ignited tensions, as an FIR was filed for inciting religious sentiments against members of Bajrang Dal members, a viral CCTV video raised doubts about the fairness of the investigation

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On March 30, 2025, a rally organized by Bajrang Dal in the predominantly Muslim area of Malad East, Mumbai, and sparked tension and led to an altercation. The procession, held as part of the Gud Padwa celebrations, passed through the Patha Wadi locality and quickly became a flashpoint for community clashes. While the rally was supposed to be a peaceful religious procession, it escalated when some members of the group began shouting “Jai Shree Ram” slogans, which are considered provocative in a Muslim-majority area, particularly during prayer times.

As per media reports, the conflict reportedly started as the procession was winding down and participants were returning to their homes. At this moment, a group allegedly attempted to hoist a saffron flag, a symbolic gesture that has often sparked controversy when displayed in sensitive areas. The situation was further inflamed by the shouting of “Jai Shree Ram” slogans, which led to a dispute between the two communities present.

FIR filed against Bajrang Dal: provoking religious sentiments

As tensions rose, a formal complaint was filed by members of the Muslim community, leading the Mumbai Police to file an FIR against 8 to 10 individuals associated with Bajrang Dal for allegedly inciting religious sentiments. According to the complaint, the procession and subsequent actions, including the flag hoisting and chanting of slogans, were seen as deliberate attempts to provoke the Muslim community. Police have launched an investigation, although no arrests have been made yet, as per a report in News 24.

However, Bajrang Dal has warned of protests in response to the police’s handling of the matter, claiming that the police have acted unfairly. This has further complicated an already sensitive situation in Malad, where religious and cultural identities have become points of friction.

Video evidence: reports of false allegations against Muslim boys

Adding to the controversy, a CCTV footage from the incident surfaced on social media, showing an exchange between two young men. In the video, a Muslim boy wearing a black t-shirt is seen trying to protect another boy, dressed in orange clothes, from a confrontation. However, some individuals present in the footage attempted to create an issue by falsely alleging that the Muslim boy was involved in violence. The police have charged him with attempted murder, despite the video clearly showing him acting defensively. This has raised questions about the accuracy of the charges and whether the police investigation is being influenced by external pressures.

The CCTV video can be seen here:

Background: The impact of recent tensions in Mumbai

The altercation in Malad follows a series of similar incidents that have stoked communal issues in Mumbai and its surrounding areas. Notably, the violence in Nagpur has been cited as a precursor to these events. Protests by right-wing organisations in Mumbai regarding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb led to widespread rumours. These rumours claimed that protestors had burned a sheet with verses from the Quran, a claim that has been widely disputed. However, these rumours led to violent clashes in Nagpur’s Mahal area, with stone-pelting incidents resulting in the injury of 33 people, including police officers, and the tragic death of one young man.

This context of heightened communal sensitivity has further complicated the situation in Malad, where the Malad East incident appears to be part of a broader pattern of religiously charged confrontations.

Earlier incident: alleged assault on Bajrang Dal activists by Police

In an earlier incident in Mumbai, six police officers were transferred from their positions after being accused of assaulting two Bajrang Dal activists. The activists had gone to the Vakola Police Station to file an FIR alleging that a member of a particular community had molested a minor girl in Santacruz East. However, the activists claimed that, instead of receiving assistance, they were forcefully taken to a police detection room, where they were brutally assaulted by police officers, Indian Express reported.

The allegations sparked protests by Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) activists, who demanded action against the accused officers. Following an internal inquiry, the police department transferred six officers, including an assistant inspector and four constables, to a side posting in the Naigaon local arms division as provisional punishment. A departmental inquiry has also been initiated against the officers involved.

The events in Malad, alongside previous clashes and ongoing religious tensions, underscore the delicate nature of communal relations in some areas of Mumbai. As the investigation unfolds, the possibility of further unrest looms, with both religious communities and authorities caught in a growing cycle of tension.

Related:

After Bajrang Dal, UP police take a close look at Durga Vahini’s ‘self-defence’ training camps

Bajrang Dal convenor arrested for arms training camp, spreading communal hatred in Ayodhya

India’s Heartfelt Eid: where flowers & faith bridge divides

 

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Destroying Secularism: Hindu Rashtra Constitution unveiled at the Kumbh? https://sabrangindia.in/destroying-secularism-hindu-rashtra-constitution-unveiled-at-the-kumbh/ Mon, 03 Feb 2025 07:52:16 +0000 https://sabrangindia.in/?p=39932 On January 28, 2025, the well-known Calcutta daily ‘The Telegraph’ carried an article entitled ‘Rub your eyes: Hindu Rashtra Constitution to be unveiled at Mahakumbh on Basant Panchami’. The seemingly innocuous inside-page article, speaks volumes not only of the insidious yet meticulous plans which are being made, but also of the calculated attempts to destroy […]

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On January 28, 2025, the well-known Calcutta daily ‘The Telegraph’ carried an article entitled ‘Rub your eyes: Hindu Rashtra Constitution to be unveiled at Mahakumbh on Basant Panchami’. The seemingly innocuous inside-page article, speaks volumes not only of the insidious yet meticulous plans which are being made, but also of the calculated attempts to destroy the secular character of the nation and ultimately the sanctity of the Constitution of India.

The news item highlights that a 501-page document, prepared by a 25-member committee of scholars, draws inspiration from the Ramayana, the rules and teachings of Krishna, Manusmriti and Chanakya’s Arthashastra. The so-called ‘Constitution’ based on the Hindutva ideology, is expected to be unveiled at the Mahakumbh on Sunday February 2, when the Hindus celebrate ‘Basant Panchami’. Whether it will actually take place is anyone’s guess; the painful fact however, is that no one from the ruling regime, who swear by the Constitution of the country, has had the courage to say that very thought of propagating such an idea should be regarded as anti-national!

The committee which has put together this Constitution is known as the ‘Hindu Rashtra Samvidhan Nirmal Samiti’ and apparently consists of so-called scholars of the ‘Sanatan Dharma.’ Swami Anand Swaroop Maharaj, patron of the committee, told reporters at the Mahakumbh, that their target was to make India a Hindu nation by 2035. (their original plan was to make India a Hindutva- nation in 2025 – the centenary year of the RSS- but their plans failed miserably when they did not get the required numbers in the last Parliamentary elections- to make any undemocratic Constitutional changes).

The key provisions in the proposed ‘Constitution’ include:

  • Mandatory Military Education: Every citizen of the Hindu Rashtra will be required to undergo military education.
  • Harsher Punishment for Theft: The constitution proposes stricter punishment for theft and other crimes. (apparently there is no word on ‘corruption’ – which is the forte of the ruling regime)
  • Tax Exemption for Agriculture: The tax system will be revamped, with agriculture being completely tax-free.
  • Unicameral Legislature: The Hindu Dharma Parliament will be a unicameral legislature, with members known as Dharmik Sansads.
  • Minimum Voting Age: The minimum voting age has been fixed at 16 years, with only those belonging to Sanatan Dharma allowed to contest elections.
  • The Rashtradhyaksh, the chief of the country, would be chosen by three-fourths of the elected members of the legislature

Swaroop reiterated, “Human values are in the nucleus of our Constitution, which has been prepared by 14 scholars from north and 11 from south India. Our Constitution is not against other religions but those who are found involved in anti-national activities will face harsher punishment than what is awarded to them currently…. Over 300 amendments have been made in the Indian Constitution in the last seven decades but our scriptures are the same for the last several thousand centuries. There are 127 Christian, 57 Muslim and 15 Buddhist countries. Even the Jews have Israel. But the Hindus, whose population is over 175 crores across the world, have no Hindu nation.”

The writing has been on the wall since a long time now: the attacks on the Christians in 1998-99, in different parts of India and particularly in the Dangs District and other areas of South Gujarat became International headlines. The Gujarat Carnage in 2002 when more than 2000 Muslims were murdered, many more brutalised and even raped and thousands of others having to leave forever a place they once called their home –was perhaps the blackest chapter in post –independent India.

Over the years, and particularly since 2014, when the BJP seized the reins of power once again – every effort is being made to denigrate and demonise the minorities of India and especially the Muslims, the Christians and the Sikhs; they have also been derogatively referred to as ‘terrorists’, ‘converters’ and ‘khalistanis’, respectively.  There is a systematic move to paint the minorities as ‘anti-national’! Personnel and properties of the minority communities are regularly targeted.

The Judiciary –and in particular, the Supreme Court – has been one bastion of hope for the minorities, given its fundamental role and responsibility in protecting the letter and the spirit of the Constitution. Unfortunately, in the recent past, the Judiciary at various levels seem to have abdicated this non-negotiable duty – of impartiality, objectivity and of not siding with any particular faith and/or ideology. There are facts and other indicators to substantiate this!

Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, a sitting judge of the Allahabad High Court is a classic example!

On 8 December, he addressed the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) legal cell, in Allahabad High Court on ‘Uniform Civil Code–A Constitutional Imperative’. He argued in favour of a Uniform Civil Code and demanded for changes in the Muslim personal laws. His speech smacked of blatant ‘majoritarianism’ saying that India should function according to the wishes of the “majority,” meaning Hindus! Justice Yadav assured the VHP gathering that as the Ram Mandir was constructed in Ayodhya after years of “sacrifices by our ancestors,” the Uniform Civil Code would also become a reality soon. “Did you imagine seeing the Ram Mandir with your own eyes? But you did see it. Many of our ancestors made sacrifices for it, in the hope of seeing Ram Lalla freed and witnessing the construction of a grand temple. They couldn’t see it but did their part and now we are witnessing it.”. Likewise, he said that the country would get a UCC. “That day is not very far,” he emphatically declared. On 17 December, he was summoned by the Chief Justice of India to appear before the Collegium regarding his remarks. A month later, he writes to the Chief Justice, saying he stands by his remarks which, he maintained, did not violate any principle of judicial conduct.

The remarks of Justice Yadav are just the tip of the iceberg. There was the case of a Christian Pastor who had died, being denied the right to burial in his native village in Chhattisgarh by the village panchayat. After knocking at all doors in his State, his son had to seek justice from the Supreme Court. On 27 January, the two-member bench of the Supreme Court delivered a split verdict in the case. It directed that the body of the pastor be buried at a Christian graveyard 20 km away and asked the State administration to provide all support. Since the body was already in the morgue for almost three weeks, the judgement did not feel it appropriate to refer the matter to a larger bench.

Justice BV Nagarathna, however, strongly upheld the secular character of the Constitution. In her path-breaking judgment she asserted that, “It is said that death is a great leveller and we need to remind ourselves of this. This death has led to divisiveness among villagers on the right to burial. The appellant says there is discrimination and prejudice,” She noted that the High Court accepted a suggestion that displaced the practices being followed in the village. “The death of the person has given (way) to disharmony since it was not solved by the village panchayat. Panchayat has been taking sides which led to the case in high court and Supreme Court.” She pointed to the police affidavit that says a Christian convert cannot be allowed burial on the village grounds. “This is unfortunate and violates Articles 21 and 14 and furthers discrimination on the grounds of religion. The State cannot deny equality before the law. How could ASP Bastar give such an affidavit and what was the authority? it betrays the sublime principle of secularism.” Sadly, however, the other Justice thought otherwise and the Christian Pastor had to be buried far away from his village.

On January 27, Uttarakhand introduced and began implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) which most legal and Constitutional experts find highly discriminatory. It is clearly aimed at targeting sections of the minorities- particularly Muslims and Christians. The law, among other things, does not challenge patriarchal provisions in Hindu civil law, for instance, on the guardianship of a minor boy or unmarried girl going to the father, and only after him, to the mother. Strangely enough the law will not be applicable to Scheduled Tribes, with the CM saying, “We have kept our scheduled tribes mentioned under Article 342 of the Constitution out of this code so that those rights can be protected!” So the question being asked is how ‘Uniform’ is this code?

There is plenty else happening all over the country with regard to the rights of minorities and to the cause of secularism. The tribal Christians in Manipur have been suffering since May 2023. In UP, a Christian Pastor and his wife have been convicted under the State’s draconian anti- Conversion law whilst several others are languishing in jail. In every one of them – there is absolutely no evidence of any wrongdoing, just that they were conducting prayer meetings or having a Bible in their house. The anti- conversion laws in several states ruled by the BJP, not only violate Article 25 enshrined in the Constitution is but also a blatant attempt to discriminate against the minorities. ‘Ghar wapasi’ which is also a conversion exercise, does not come into the ambit of this law. Amit Shah in his election campaign in Maharashtra promised that such a law would be introduced in that State too!

The list is endless indeed! Mobs stormed the gates and the grounds the Jesuit –run Andhra Loyola College in Vijayawada, demanding that they are entitled to use the private premises as per their whims and fancies.  The High Court of Gujarat recently upheld the decision of the Gujarat State for a centralised process for recruiting teachers and principals in religious and linguistic minority educational institutions.  The UP Chief Minister on Republic Day publicly asserted that ‘Sanathan Dharma’ is the religion of the country! Then there is the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 which is supposed to be tabled in Parliament during this current budget session; A united opposition, however, has slammed the government on the passage of the draft report on the Waqf Amendment Bill saying they had no say, and all their amendments were defeated, and that only the amendments presented by the ruling party were taken up and considered. With frightening regularity one reads about how minorities are targeted for what they eat and wear, see and read!

Intellectual and social activist Professor Apoorvanand writes an incisive and hard-hitting article in ‘The Wire’ ( January 29, 2025).  The article entitled, ‘The Loneliness of Being Christian in India’, is replete with incontrovertible facts. He emphatically states, “but as human beings, we must ask: what kind of country is it where only Christians have to worry about attacks on Christians, and the rest of society remains deaf to their concerns? The prime minister of India issues statements about violence against Christians outside India, but in India, Christians are being attacked and arrested for having and distributing Bibles, and churches are being targeted. During Christmas season, he visits churches and meets religious leaders, but lets the blood of Christians flow. Are only Hindus allowed to preach their religion in India? 

What Prof. Apoorvanand states with angst, is an undeniable fact! There is a method in their madness, there is no doubt about it! The rot, we all know, starts at the top! At stake is the secular character of our nation and the future of democracy in our country- which is being destroyed systematically! We must wake up now and act with other like-minded women and men!

February 1, 2025 

(The author is a human rights, reconciliation and peace activist/writer. Contact: cedricprakash@gmail.com)


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CJP demands NCM action on hate speeches at Dharma Sansad and Trishul Deeksha events, files two complaints https://sabrangindia.in/cjp-demands-ncm-action-on-hate-speeches-at-dharma-sansad-and-trishul-deeksha-events-files-two-complaints/ Thu, 30 Jan 2025 06:22:04 +0000 https://sabrangindia.in/?p=39871 Both the complaints filed against far-right leaders and events spreading divisive and inflammatory rhetoric, urging immediate action to combat rising communal rhetoric and protect harmony in the country

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In recent months, there has been an alarming rise in hate speech and communal rhetoric, with events organised by far-right groups across India propagating dangerous and divisive narratives. Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP), a prominent civil rights organisation, has been actively monitoring and raising concerns over such events, which incite violence and threaten the social fabric of the country. The complaints filed with the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) in early 2025 highlight two particularly concerning instances: the Trishul Deeksha events held across several states in December 2024 and the ‘Dharma Sansad’ gatherings that took place in Haridwar.

These events have seen the propagation of hate speech targeting minority communities, particularly Muslims and Christians, with calls for violence, economic boycotts, and the promotion of harmful conspiracies. The CJP’s complaints underscore the critical need for urgent action from the NCM and other authorities to curb the spread of such rhetoric and ensure the protection of vulnerable communities. As the situation escalates, it is increasingly evident that there is a pressing need to reaffirm India’s commitment to secularism, social harmony, and the safeguarding of minority rights.

Complaint over hate speech at Trishul Deeksha events

On January 29, CJP had filed a formal complaint with the NCM, raising alarm over a series of Trishul Deeksha events held in December 2024 across Punjab, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Organised by far-right groups such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, and Antarrashtriya Hindu Parishad (AHP), these gatherings featured openly inflammatory rhetoric, hate speech, and mobilisation against minority communities, particularly Muslims and Christians.

The complaint details multiple instances where speakers at these events propagated divisive narratives, including baseless conspiracies like ‘love jihad’ and ‘land jihad,’ while calling for economic boycotts and vigilantism. At a Delhi event, senior VHP leaders declared their intent to “liberate” religious sites such as the Gyanvapi and Shahi Idgah mosques, while also targeting Ajmer Sharif Dargah, a revered Sufi shrine. In Himachal Pradesh, hate-filled speeches likened Muslims to “monsters” and falsely accused them of contaminating food, stoking economic and social discrimination. In Rajasthan’s Sirohi district, an event saw explicit calls for violence, with one leader urging attendees to “pick up weapons and be ready for war.”

Of particular concern is the complicity of law enforcement, as highlighted by a uniformed police officer in Sirohi who publicly participated in a Trishul Deeksha procession alongside far-right leaders. This raises serious questions about institutional bias and the failure of authorities to act against hate speech.

CJP has urged the NCM to take immediate cognisance of these incidents, investigate the organisers and speakers, and ensure legal and administrative action against those responsible for spreading hate and inciting violence. The organisation has emphasised the need for proactive measures to prevent the further normalisation of communal rhetoric, safeguard minority rights, and uphold India’s constitutional commitment to secularism and social harmony.

The complaint may be read here.

 

Complaint against hate speeches at ‘Dharma Sansad’ events

On January 22, CJP filed a complaint with the NCM regarding a series of hate speeches delivered at ‘Dharma Sansad’ events on December 20, 2024, led by Yati Narsinghanand and other right-wing figures. Despite being denied permission to hold the event in Haridwar, the gathering proceeded at another location, where inflammatory and violent rhetoric was once again espoused, targeting Muslims and calling for a Hindu-only nation. The speeches at the event included derogatory language and explicit calls for physical violence against Muslims, promoting a vision of a society devoid of religious diversity.

Narsinghanand, a known figure for his controversial views, reiterated his demand for a “Hindu Rashtra” and expressed a vision of a society with no room for Muslims, mosques, or madrasas. He also issued veiled threats against political leaders, further stoking communal tensions. Other speakers, including Kalicharan Maharaj and Shrimahant Raju Das, echoed similar sentiments, accusing Muslims of destroying Hindu temples and calling for violent action against them. The event also featured a monk who advocated for armed self-defence against Muslims and secular Hindus, calling for the prevention of Azaan and Muslim events in mosques.

These speeches have a grave impact on social harmony, further polarising communities and fostering an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among minorities. The hateful language used during the event has emboldened those with similar views, contributing to the rising tide of religious intolerance and making it more difficult to achieve peaceful coexistence. The impunity with which these individuals have acted and the lack of strong legal action against them has only worsened the situation, with social media platforms becoming breeding grounds for such harmful narratives.

In the complaint, CJP calls on the NCM to take urgent action, including initiating investigations, ensuring FIRs are registered against those responsible for inciting hate speech, and holding them accountable under relevant Indian laws. The complaint also urges the Commission to monitor the progress of investigations, compel authorities to take action, and issue further directives to prevent the spread of such dangerous rhetoric. This intervention is vital to safeguard the secular fabric of India and uphold the rights of religious minorities, preventing further escalation of communal violence.

The complaint may be read here:

 

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