RSS' 'Virat Hindu' wants to woo Dalits, tribals in Madhya Pradesh

Amidst statements from within the RSS on caste-based reservations and its future, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will address a "Virat Hindu Sammelan" aimed at spreading "samajik samrasta" (social harmony) in Betul on February 8. Betul, a tribal district in Madhya Pradesh (MP), shares a border with Maharashtra. About two lakh people are expected to attend the function, which is also to be addressed by former Union minister Satpal Maharaj.

This is not the first time the RSS is organising a programme in a tribal area in MP. In February 2011, a massive "Maa Narmada Samajik Kumbh" was organised in Mandla and more recently, a "Hindu Samagam" was organised at Maheshwar in Khargone district in 2015.

The stated objective of the proposed programme at Betul is to promote social cohesion and healthy lifestyle, and also address environmental issues through plantation. The programme is expected to help the BJP in its objective of consolidating the majority community vote. Crucial to attaining this objective is to get tribals and Dalits solidly in the fold.

Dalits constitute about 15 per cent and tribals about 21 per cent of the population in Madhya Pradesh helps the RSS raise the issue of conversions of tribals and address the spread of Left-wing extremism in tribal areas in Madhya Pradesh as well. Currently, the BJP seems to be the party of choice for Dalits and tribals in MP. Of the 35 seats in the assembly reserved for SCs, the BJP controls 28 and out of the 47 seats reserved for STs, the BJP has 31.

It is, however, crucial for the BJP to retain this support in case it wishes to come to power again in 2018. Consequently, a series of events have been held to woo marginalised communities. Top BJP leaders were seen participating in a holy dip with Valmiki or Dalit sadhus in the Ujjain Simhastha. Top BJP leaders have announced they would eat a meal with a Dalit family regularly, and the 125th birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar was celebrated with great fanfare at Mhow in the presence of the prime minister.

Meanwhile, there are reports of a section of tribals also opposing the "Virat Hindu Sammelan". Pamphlets have been distributed, appealing to tribals to not attend the Sammelan on the grounds that they are outside the Hindu fold. A body called the Manjhi Samajwad Sangathan has issued the appeal even as RSS volunteers are trying their level best to make the event a success by ensuring adequate participation.

(Courtesy of Mail Today.)

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