Following two strong statements by Prime Minister Narendra Modi against cow vigilantes and their violence against Dalit communities, the RSS on Monday released a statement endorsing his position.
The statement condemned the attacks on Dalits, terming them “inhuman” and asked States to take action against elements trying to “disturb communal harmony and trust.”
“We appeal to all sections to remain aware of elements who want to disturb the environment. We expect the administration to take speedy action against such individuals and groups who break the law,” said RSS general secretary Suresh “Bhaiyaji” Joshi in the statement.
VHP, Hindu outfits condemn Modi remarks on gau rakshaks
A day after Modi repeated his condemnation of militant cow protection organisations or gau rakshaks and their attacks on Dalits, the fringe elements of the Sangh Parivar, namely the VHP, said cow protection had been an activity that it had been undertaking for a long time and that it would continue to do so.
“We will not like to comment on the issue [of violence against Dalits]. However, cow protection has been going on since long. We will continue to work for it," VHP general secretary Dr Surendra Jain said. The Hindu Mahasabha reacted strongly to Mr. Modi’s words, terming him as “anti-Hindu.”
“Mr. Modi must apologise to Hindus, for terming 80 per cent of gau rakshaks as goondas. The BJP will see its support base shrinking in the next set of polls, after this anti-Hindu statement of the Prime Minister,” said Pawan Pandit, president of the Rashtriya Gau Raksha Dal.
The RSS however dismissed such statements, saying they were not part of the Sangh Parivar.
“At least it should be clear that we are not behind the attacks,” said a senior RSS office-bearer.
In a statement issued on Monday, the RSS endorsed Mr. Modi’s stand and said, “Taking the law in one’s own hands to harass Dalits is not only illegal, but also inhuman.”
RSS general secretary and second in command, Suresh “Bhaiyaji” Joshi said, “Several political parties and leaders of various castes are trying to create a situation of uncertainty through half baked information which is not conducive to social harmony.”
