Other States - Rajasthan   

RSS endorses NDA for a second term

By Our Special Correspondent

JAMDOLI (JAIPUR), MARCH 14. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's crucial three-day "pratinidhi sabha" here on the eve of the Lok Sabha elections turned out to be a political endorsement of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance which is seeking a fresh mandate from the public.

The meeting which ended today not only shared the NDA theme of "India shining" but also made it apparent that the fulfilment of RSS's own agenda like construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya hinged on the present dispensation returning to power at the Centre. It evinced confidence that the people would go for the NDA at the hustings.

"The present Government has played an important role in enhancing the country's image during the past five years. The nation has emerged a major power in economic, military, cultural and diplomatic fields," Madan Das Devi, the Sah Sarkaryvahak of the RSS said while briefing newspersons.

"Now India is in a position to speak the language of power," the RSS leader said even while pointing out that the country had played a major role in peace initiatives elsewhere in the world. "India played a major role in international forum like Cancun and in the war against terrorism. It also kept its independence by not sending the forces to Iraq," Mr. Devi noted.

"India played the role of a very responsible nation. All good thinking people would appreciate India's role," Mr. Devi said. Asked specifically whether the Sangh was for giving a second term for the NDA, Mr. Devi replied back, "Why not?" "We have trust in the people. They will vote for strengthening the country," Mr. Devi noted even while explaining that for the RSS power was not the end. "To bring in the Government is one thing. To make qualitative changes in their lives and make them responsible and committed citizens is the task of the RSS."

As for the role of the swayamsevaks in the coming elections, Mr. Devi said each of them was clear about their role though there was no specific directive from the Sangh. "They are not confused. Each swayamsevak is first a citizen, a voter himself. He has also the role of making people cast their votes in the elections."

Speaking about the changed perception of the minorities on the RSS, Mr. Devi said their willingness to sit with the Sangh for a dialogue was a positive development. "There is a realisation among the Muslims and Christians that they should keep a dialogue with the RSS," he noted.

"It is a great thing that a dialogue has started. There are good thinking people in every society," Mr. Devi said even as he asserted that RSS was not concerned with the individual's religion. "With the change of religion the culture does not change. The `Hindu Rashtra' concept does not have anything to do with religion. All those who live in this country have Hindu culture," he said.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Other States

News: Front Page | National | Tamil Nadu | Andhra Pradesh | Karnataka | Kerala | New Delhi | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Updates: Breaking News |

Stories in this Section

• RSS endorses NDA for a second term
• Villagers take cudgels on behalf of health centre
• A step towards bridging urban-rural divide

Copyright © 2004, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu