Narendra Modi's Ram Mandir comments: RSS 'agrees to disagree' with BJP, but keeps close eye on case in SC

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s tough stand on the Ram temple — demanding legislation be brought in and hinting at a future course of action — is being interpreted by many as having ’loaded implications’ for the relationship between the Sangh Parivar and BJP, particularly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Such interpretations acquire credence because Bhagwat chose to endorse the statement of his deputy Bhaiyyaji Joshi who categorically demanded legislation and not of Sah Sarkayawah (joint-general secretary) Dattatreya Hosabale (who released a statement which was kind to the prime minister’s comments). Joshi and Hosbole responded immediately after Modi’s interview to ANI was aired on 1 January. [caption id=“attachment_5221431” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  File image of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. PTI[/caption] A simple reading of Bhagwat and Joshi’s statements make it seem the RSS’ point of view on the construction of the Ram temple is contrary to the position taken by Modi.  Since last Vijyadashmi last October, Bhagwat has, on at least four occasions made a strong pitching for bringing in legislation on the Ram temple. Joshi was equally forceful on the subject while addressing a rally in New Delhi on 10 December. Then there was an article by joint general secretary Manmohan Vaidya published in Hindustan Times where he talked extensively as to how Sardar Patel built the Somnath temple despite objections by Jawaharlal Nehru and concluded by saying “it is important to bear in mind that Dr (Rajendra) Prasad believed that the resurrection of Somnath will only be complete when India reclaims its lost cultural and economic glory. Similarly, in order to realise Gandhi’s dream of Ram Rajya, it is vital that the Ram Mandir, a symbol of our ancient culture, be reinstated in a manner that reflects Bharat’s pride and resolve.” The larger question is whether Modi government’s official position on Ram temple (how to proceed) is different from that of RSS and VHP. Are they in conflict or are they in coordination? Have they agreed to disagree on how to cater to their respective social constituencies: the government working within constitutional boundaries and the RSS — the organisation which is the foremost voice of Hindutva forces — acting as a pressure group to a government whose political leadership is supposedly tied to them with an umbilical cord? After speaking to senior functionaries from both BJP and RSS, Firstpost gathered that they have “agreed to disagree” on their public pronouncements. As such, there is no conflict between them on the issue as or “there can’t be two opinions that Ram temple continues to be an article of faith for the BJP”: the only question is about timing and modalities. The BJP leadership’s motives aren’t being viewed with suspicion and the debate in private circles is whether they could have done more, could have been seen to be pursuing it harder and pushing the case more seriously and aggressively in the apex court. “Hum adegne lekin ladegene nahi” (we will stand tough, but will not fight), a senior RSS functionary confided. His remarks say it all. The BJP and RSS leadership will man their positions when  parliamentary elections are announced, but there will be no confrontation. Their positions could even be complimentary, keeping the hope of believers and sympathisers alive for next term (if the Modi government returns to power). BJP president Amit Shah had publically stated he would meet RSS brass and take them in confidence about Modi government’s position on the Ram temple. It is understood that what Modi said in interview on 1 January was conveyed to RSS leadership well in advance and the implication of each possible action was weighed carefully. RSS leadership has apparently been informed of the limitations in taking the legislative route and tight timeline Modi government has from now till closure of this session (after presentation of interim budget and its passage by mid-February) and announcement of next elections the last week of February or the first week of March. It should be noted that Modi was a swayamsevak before he was drafted by the RSS into the BJP. Shah has a strong RSS background, so do many other BJP leaders and workers. Take a look at what Bhagwat said on Wednesday and what Modi said on Tuesday. Bhagwat endorsed Bhaiyyaji Joshi’s statement seeking the legislative route for construction of Ram temple and said “the policy needs to be changed. It is learnt a new policy has been framed but there is not much time left. Its implementation depends on how things take shape in future.” Though Bhagwat’s remark “how things take shape in future” was not in direct reference to mandir issue, but it is being linked to tenure of the government and political possibilities post May 2019. The Supreme Court will hear Ram Mandir case on Friday. Though not much is expected tomorrow — the court is expected to constitute a new bench to hear the case and fix the date when that new bench would begin its hearing — but what would be watched curiously by the RSS and others is how the government pleads its case and whether it pushes hard for a quick hearing. That would be important because the government’s position in the court would be weighed when Dharam Sansad on Ram temple meets in Prayagraj (from 31 January to 1 February) in the midst of the kumbh. As of now, the Dharam Sansad is expected to reiterate what Bhagwat and Joshi said. But the aforementioned we will stand tough, but will not fight principle would apply. After all, the RSS statement came only after due consultation within the Sangh hierarchy. Hosbole said, “We feel the statement by prime minister is a positive step in the direction of temple construction. The prime minister reiterating the resolve to construct a grand Sri Ram temple in Ayodhya in his interview is in tune with the resolution passed by BJP at Palampur in 1989.”