RSS Leader Confirms Organization's Growth Independent of BJP's Political Power

RSS Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar in conversation with NDTV's Padmaja Joshi.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will continue to expand and grow regardless of whether the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) holds power, according to RSS Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar.

His comments coincided with the RSS completing its centenary on Thursday. The organization's 100-year celebrations began nationwide last month and are expected to continue throughout this month.

"Whether the BJP wins or loses an election, the Sangh will wake up the next morning and continue its work as usual," Ambekar explained to NDTV, addressing claims that the RSS requires BJP's political power to expand its activities.

"Those with such thoughts need to understand that the Sangh will work regardless of circumstances. The sangathan's work impacts multiple areas including education, labor, and politics. When the person managing the sangathan succeeds in their work, they've created a suitable environment for all kinds of activities," he further stated.

The spokesperson noted that if government creates obstacles to RSS's work, the organization's members simply work harder to overcome them. "The RSS has faced challenges in the past as well. While people may make political remarks, on the ground, their workers often help us carry out our work," he added.

Ambekar also emphasized that violent incidents should not be automatically attributed to Hindu organizations. "Incidents shouldn't be linked to Hindu organizations by default. Wrong is wrong. But we shouldn't politicize such matters. Our country is progressing, and our efforts should increase in that direction," he stated.

The RSS spokesperson dismissed Opposition claims that the lawyer who recently attempted to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India BR Gavai demonstrated a "BJP-RSS mindset." "I believe people understand RSS at the grassroots level. The Sangh's workings and teachings are so widely known that people are familiar with them. This knowledge is sufficient to dispel such allegations," he responded.

Addressing assertions that the RSS serves as the "high command" of the BJP-led government, he clarified: "I'm not denying our relationship with the government. One Modi alone cannot accomplish everything for the country, right? Everyone must work together. We need participation from all sections of society. The Sangh does not engage in politics."

His statements came amid controversy triggered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's unprecedented mention of the RSS during his Independence Day speech from the Red Fort.

"The term 'Swayamsevak' itself means working independently. We don't depend on anyone. We only contribute to the organization. When we need to reach our workers, we do it personally. We go directly to them. The workers also raise funds independently. The workers understand that this is their society and they must work for it," he explained.

Founded in 1925 in Nagpur by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the RSS was established as a volunteer-based organization aimed at promoting cultural awareness, discipline, service, and social responsibility among citizens.