New Delhi, July 22: A recent order from the Ministry of Personnel allowing government servants to participate in Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities has sparked a contentious debate between political parties.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Amit Malviya announced the withdrawal of a decades-old “unconstitutional order” that prohibited government employees from joining RSS activities, citing a July 9 directive.
“The unconstitutional order issued 58 years ago, in 1966, imposing a ban on government employees taking part in the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has been withdrawn by the Modi government. The original order shouldn’t have been passed in the first place,” Malviya stated.
He referenced historical events, claiming the ban was imposed following significant RSS-led protests, including an anti-cow-slaughter demonstration in 1966.
In response, AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticized the decision, asserting it undermines India’s integrity and unity. “No civil servant can be loyal to the nation if he is a member of RSS,” Owaisi expressed on social media.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh launched a scathing attack on the Union government, questioning the timing of the order’s removal and invoking historical context regarding previous bans on RSS activities.
“Sardar Patel had banned the RSS in February 1948 following Gandhiji’s assassination. Subsequently, the ban was withdrawn on assurances of good behaviour. In 1966, a ban was imposed – and rightly so,” Ramesh remarked, highlighting the contentious history between the RSS and governance.
Congress leader Pawan Khera also criticized the move, highlighting the historical imposition of the ban and its recent withdrawal under the Modi government.
The decision has polarized opinions among political circles, reflecting broader concerns over the ideological stance and implications of allowing government employees to participate in RSS activities.
