End Reservation, Let Women Into Temples & Bye to Khaki Shorts: RSS

No reservation, no temple ban on women, and no more khaki shorts, said the RSS in their annual meeting on Sunday.

A file photo of RSS volunteers in their trademark khaki shorts. (Photo: IANS)

A three-day annual meeting of Akhil Bhartiya Pratinidhi Sabha, the highest decision-making body of Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), took place in Rajasthan. The Quint puts together what the khaki-wearing men revealed during this meeting.

‘No’ to Reservation

RSS disapproved of reservation demands by the “affluent” sections and favoured a study to ascertain whether the deserving backward classes are actually getting the quota benefits.

It is felt that this thinking (demand by affluent class) is not in the right direction. People of such (affluent) class should give up their right and should help the weaker section of the society. But instead of that, they are demanding reservation for themselves which is not a thinking in the right direction.

<b>Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi, general secretary, RSS</b>

He did not make any direct reference to any section making such demands but appeared to be hinting at Jats who recently launched a major violent agitation in Haryana for reservation.

Hardik Patel, convener of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti, during an agitation in Gujarat. (Photo: PTI)

Caste-based discrimination is a matter of concern for all of us and members of the Hindu community are responsible for it. But now we need to eradicate it. A message for this should be conveyed in the society so that there is no discrimination, atrocities against anyone and social harmony should be maintained.

<b>Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi, general secretary, RSS</b>

Let Women Pray

RSS said restriction on entry of women in any temple in ‘unfair’ and that management must change their mentality.

Because of some unfair traditions, at certain places there has been a lack of consensus on the question of temple entry. Such sensitive issues should be resolved through discussion and dialogue and not through agitations. Women go to thousands of temple across the country but in reference to some, where their entry is an issue, there is a need to change the mentality. Management of such temples should also understand this.&nbsp;

<b>Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi, general secretary, RSS</b>

RSS backs women on letting them enter temples at all times. (Photo: The Quint)

‘Anti-National’ Slogans at JNU

Joshi said the ‘serious matter’ of raising alleged ‘anti-national slogans in JNU should be dealt with without the matter being politicised.

Law will take its own course but who allowed this environment to grow in universities? If such universities become the centers of anti-national activities, it is a matter of grave concern and not that of politics.

<b>Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi, general secretary, RSS</b>

Students agitating for the release of Students’ Union President Kanhaiya Kumar at JNU. (Photo: PTI)

He questioned that whether any political party, which comes to power, can change its stand or role in reference to Pakistan.

The thought which takes care of integrity and security of the country should be considered best in the interest of the nation. The reaction against the incident came from all over the country and it is welcoming. It shows that the society is aware.

<b>Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi, general secretary, RSS</b>

Slammed Azad for Comparing RSS to ISIS

Azad first drew a parallel between RSS and ISIS at an event organised by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind.

So, we oppose organisations like ISIS, the way we oppose RSS. If those among us in Islam too do wrong things, they are no way less than RSS.

<b>Ghulam Nabi Azad, Congress Leader</b>

RSS retaliated saying it exposes his “lack of knowledge” and “intellectual bankruptcy”.

BJP jumped to the defence of its ideological mentor, calling it a nationalist organisation and demanding an apology from Azad.

BJP asked Congress chief Sonia Gandhi to disassociate from his remarks and take action against him if he does not withdraw them.

Bye Bye Shorts, Hello Trousers

Khaki shorts, the trademark dress for RSS cadres for 91 years, is out and is being replaced by brown trousers as the Sangh wants to move with the times.

We have decided to replace khaki half pant with brown pant. We are not rigid and take decisions according to the time. Pants are a regular feature in today’s social life, so we took our decision accordingly. We decided on brown colour though there is no specific reason for it but is commonly available and looks good.

<b>Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi, general secretary, RSS</b>

RSS’ trademark khaki shorts. (Photo: Reuters)

Loose Khaki shorts have been the trademark of RSS cadres since the organisation’s inception in 1925. Even though other parts of the uniform have been changed from time to time, khaki shorts remained in vogue till now.

(With inputs from PTI)