Centre and state govts should check anti-nationals in varsities: RSS

Nagaur (Rajasthan): The RSS today condemned the raising of anti-national slogans in JNU, saying "subversive" elements have made universities the centre of their activities for long and should be checked by governments, as its top brass today began a three-day brainstorming session here.

Referring to Malda episode, the Sangh fountainhead also voiced concern over instances of violence and decried attempts to create "atmosphere of fear" as it asked political parties to give up their "policy of appeasement" and take such incidents seriously.

"We expect the central and state governments to deal strictly with such anti-national and anti-social forces and ensure the sanctity and cultural atmosphere by not allowing our educational institutions to become centres of political activities," RSS said in its annual report presented at the meeting of Akhil Bhartiya Pratinidhi Sabha, the top decision making body, that began here today amid tight security.

The RSS has said the meeting will focus on issues like education system, eradicating caste-based discrimination and social harmony, while deciding on steps like changing the uniform of its members "to keep up with the times".

The meet of BJP's ideological mentor assumes importance in the backdrop of Narendra Modi government facing flak over handling of JNU row, dalit student's suicide in Hyderabad, allegations of saffronisation of education and the debate over intolerance ahead of crucial assembly elections.

Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh Chief Mohan Bhagwat offered floral tributes at the portrait of 'Bharat Mata' in the presence of BJP President Amit Shah at the start of the three-day meet.

"Reports about anti-national activities in certain universities have become a matter of concern for the patriotic people. In the name of freedom of expression, how can the slogans calling for breaking up and destruction of the nation be tolerated and how can the guilty, who had hatched the conspiracy to blow up Parliament, be honoured as martyr?" the RSS report presented by Sar-Karywah Suresh Joshi said.

The RSS said that those who do such things have no faith in the Constitution, judiciary and Parliament and "such subversive elements have made these universities the centres of their activities for long".

"When they find certain political parties supporting such anti-national elements, the concern (of patriotic persons) grows further," the report said. "Incidents of violence and terror attacks have become a matter of grave concern. Under the pretext of small and big issues, people armed with weapon take to the roads creating atmosphere of fear, as has happened in Malda, and it has become endemic nowadays.

"Destruction of public and private properties, looting and burning business establishment especially those run by Hinuds, has taken place. Political parties, giving up their policy of appeasement, should take such incidents seriously and cooperate to restore the law and order situation and peace," the RSS said.

The saffron outfit said it will be possible only when parties "shed their petty and parochial political interests".

"Political parties should make a combined effort in the right direction. No political party or person is more important than national security.

"It is the responsibility of an efficient and strong government to instill confidence in the people about their security," the report said.

Krishna Gopal, Sah-Sar Karyawah of the RSS, today said issues of education, medical and health, and social harmony were on top of the agenda, but reservations and construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya could be discussed if they are raised at the meeting.

"We have three main issues on the agenda -- education, medical and health, and social harmony. Beyond that, only if any such issue comes, we may look into that," he told reporters when asked whether issues of Ram Temple and reservations will also be discussed.

"Reservation has its own place. Constitution has given its nod. It is 'sanvidhan-sammat' and the country has accepted it.

"If anything comes, we would discuss," he said. He evaded questions on Ram temple construction and only said, "We will look into it if such a thing comes."

He said the body will issue a resolution on the issue of social harmony.

"Caste based discrimination exists in the country and it should be ended," he said.

On the issue of change in uniform, he said that there were several proposals and will be discussed in the meeting.

"Discussions are on. Any decision will be taken as per the requirement of the present time," he said.

The RSS is likely to replace khaki knickers with trousers and the colour may also see a change.

Gopal said that improving the accessibility and affordability of quality education, medical and health facilities and abolishment of untouchability and improving social harmony are the key issues.

"Education should be of good quality and every common man should have access to quality education," Gopal said.

Similarly, good medical and health facilities should be available to all.

"Health facilities are getting costlier and the common man is suffering; further, what should be done to provide relief to people will also be discussed in the meeting,” he added

"In the annual meeting, representatives discuss progress, new initiatives and other related issues," he said.

Close to 1,300 members are expected to participate in the meeting being held nearly 230 km from state capital Jaipur.