Former RSS, BJP members claim ideological divide and 'drift' from true Hinduism amidst exclusionary agenda

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: In a noteworthy revelation, former members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have come forward to shed light on the ideologies of thier former organisations claimng that they propagate animosity and deceit.

Stresing on the 'exclusionary agenda' of the RSS and BJP, MG Hegde and Lakshmish Gabbaladka said they deviate starkly from the core tenets of true Hinduism.

They were speaking at the 'Karnataka PanaNada Arivu' program held at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, organized by Jagrita Karnataka Sangathan.

The former members also spoke of a 'profound misalignment' of the ideologies with the fundamental principles of their religion, prompting their disassociation from the organisations.

Notable figures present at the event condemned the RSS's 'deviation' from the true essence of Hinduism, while illustrating the inherent ideological conflict within the organisation.

"BJP MP Ananth Kumar Hegde has not said that he will change the Constitution just to get a poll ticket. Hatred towards Ambedkar and Gandhi is ingrained in the blood of RSS personalities,” remarked Sudhir Kumar Muroli, a senior lawyer and a former RSS leader.

Hegde and Lakshmish Gabbaladka emphasised that the RSS fails to represent the diverse fabric of Indian society and excludes workers, women and farmers from its narrative.

Furthermore, they criticised the RSS's exploitation of religious symbols like Lord Rama to incite hatred against certain groups. Karnataka's rich heritage spanning centuries has long upheld the principles of humanity and equality, as preached by figures like Basavanna and Kanakadasa, they said.

The former members underscored the need to embrace diversity while advocating a broader interpretation of Hinduism that respects Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Vivekananda, and Kuvempu.

Adarsh Iyer told News Trail, “The nationalism we see today is an attack on the diversity of the country. In this attack, we are losing our roots, culture and identity, so together we can proclaim our identity in the mad rush of “nationalism”.

Sundar GV said, “This is not a fight against BJP or RSS, we are trying to revive the culture that poet Kuvenpu dreamt for the state. This culture includes everyone irrespective of caste or religion. Basavanna spent his life spreading the message that compassion is the basis for religion, but today we forget compassion and divide society.''