Ban on Government Employees’ Participation in RSS Lifted, Sparks Controversy

BJP leader Amit Malviya announced on Monday that a 1966 order banning government employees from participating in Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities has been revoked. Malviya criticized the original order as “unconstitutional,” stating it was a reaction to a massive anti-cow-slaughter protest in 1966. He claimed that then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed the ban after the RSS-Jana Sangh mobilized significant support, leading to police firing and casualties.

The decision has ignited sharp reactions from the opposition. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh referenced historical bans on the RSS, including one in 1948 by Vallabhbhai Patel after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. He noted that the RSS had agreed to good behavior to lift the initial ban but continued to draw controversy over its activities. Ramesh criticized the recent decision to lift the 58-year-old ban, suggesting it undermines historical safeguards.

Asaduddin Owaisi of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen and Trinamool Congress’s Derek O’Brien also voiced strong opposition. Owaisi argued that allowing government employees to join RSS compromises India’s unity and integrity, highlighting the organization’s controversial stance on the constitution and national symbols. O’Brien accused the current government of furthering RSS ideologies, exacerbating political tensions.

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