National Desk
22 July
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
On this day in 1947, India adopted its National Flag, the Tricolour, which was opposed by the RSS at the time. Sardar Patel had warned the RSS against their opposition and later banned the organization after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination on February 4, 1948. Recently, Prime Minister Modi lifted a 1966 ban on government servants attending RSS activities, after 58 years.
Critics argue that the BJP is using the RSS to influence constitutional and autonomous bodies. By lifting the ban, Modi aims to politicize government offices and employees based on ideological lines, which threatens the neutrality of public servants and the supremacy of the Constitution.
The government’s move is seen as a response to public resistance against its alleged attempts to change the Constitution. Modi’s administration continues to seek control over constitutional bodies, potentially undermining the democratic framework through indirect means.
This action also violates the RSS’s promise to Sardar Patel to remain a social organization without a political agenda, adhering to the Constitution of India. The Opposition pledges to continue its efforts to protect the Constitution and uphold democratic values against such political maneuvers.