Digital Book:
The RSS: Icons of the Indian Right by Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay, 2019
Author Note
This book defines itself. The Indian Rightwing understandably evokes extreme reactions. This is especially true of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), its affiliates and individuals who have at various times influenced its thought processes and actions. I was drawn to its workings from the early 1980s, thanks to encouragement from my editors who gave me the opportunity to report and analyse several episodes involving communal conflict. Later, many proceeded to indulge me in what they defined as my growing ‘obsession’ with the Ayodhya dispute. Often their point being, and this group gradually included many politicians and several close friends, about my interest in subjects involving sectarian violence. There was of course scepticism about my premise and many arguments would be put forth about the ‘inherent secular character of Indians’. I was told ad nauseam that this was a ‘transitory phase’ in the history of Indian politics and that the sangh parivar constituents had ‘peaked a little too early’. Yet, my apprehensions rang true even as India was overwhelmed by several episodes, including the Babri demolition case in 1992, and the Gujarat riots almost a decade later. Even on the eve of the 2019 elections, my concern isFor a variety of reasons, this book has been a long time in the making. A significant part of its form, content and style has altered over the years, save a major part of the title. Relief often becomes the overarching emotion at the end of a creative exercise and it is no different for me. It was Gyanesh Kudaisya who had first suggested that I write this book. This was way back in 1999–2000 when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was India’s prime minister and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and its affiliates had suddenly sprung from near obscurity to centre stage. I had even written a few chapters, but made no headway as professional engagements took me on to another path. Yet, he prodded me continuously, particularly after the 2014 elections, never once giving up hope in my ability, and patiently pointing out what was lacking after he had read one of the chapters. I hope he notices that his suggestions were taken seriously.
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