In his first speech after the Lok Sabha election results, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat criticised the poll campaign as being “devoid of standards”, condemning all sides for engaging in propaganda politics. He said technology was used to spread fake agendas and false narratives.
Addressing the ongoing and unabated violence in Manipur, he stressed that the northeastern state has been yearning for peace for the past year. He urged the Centre to prioritise the restoration of order there and said it should be treated as a “prime responsibility”.
“Outside atmosphere is different after the Lok Sabha elections are over; the new government has also taken shape. Why it has happened, does not concern the Sangh. The Sangh works for refining public opinion in every election, did it this time also but does not get entangled in the analysis of the outcome,” Bhagwat said, addressing the ‘Shiksha Varg’ programme in Nagpur on Monday.
“During the election, competition is inevitable but it should be based on truth. Our tradition is of evolving consensus, that is why Parliament has two sides so that both sides of any issue are considered. But the dignity, the values of our culture should have been maintained. The election campaign was devoid of dignity. It made the atmosphere vicious. Technology was used to spread fake propaganda and false narratives. Is this our culture? Is this why we educate ourselves and is this the way we should be using technology?” he asked.
In his speech, he further pointed out that the real sevak is the person who works, but does not beat his own drum. “If you serve people, then serve them with your heart. Do not develop arrogance and pride for that,” he said.
Reacting to the ethnic violence in Manipur, Bhagwat said the state has long been waiting for peace. “It has been a year. They (people of Manipur) are yearning for peace. They are still waiting for us to see them. The state is still burning. The government should prioritise Manipur and it is the government’s responsibility,” he said.
He added that there was peace in the state for the past 10 years, and it should also be analysed why it all went so wrong.
The RSS chief said there is angst among the people. “The caste system should go away lock, stock and barrel. We have to start… at home. This will be our redemption for the sins we have committed for thousands of years,” he said.
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