Pranab Mukherjee continues to remain a politician at heart and it is speculated that he may be open to playing a key role as a non-NDA pole in future.
India’s former President Pranab Mukherjee has accepted an invitation from the RSS to address swayamsevaks at the Sangh Shiksha Varg in Nagpur June 7.
This raises two questions. Why did the RSS invite him at this point in time and why did Mukherjee accept an invitation from a distinctly opposite ideological organisation?
Mukherjee has been a life-long Congressman and served three prime ministers – Indira Gandhi, P.V. Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh. He stood by the party all through except for a brief period when he fell out with Rajiv Gandhi and formed his own outfit but by1989 came back to the Congress. He had been a minister, a deputy chairman of the Planning Commission, a leader of the house, a party general secretary, a member of the Congress working committee for 23 years and served the party and the government effectively, but never became the number one.
His excellent command over English, extraordinary drafting skills, elephantine memory, knowledge of parliamentary procedures and political acumen had made him an asset to the government and the party. Even as President, he did well.
Signalling greater acceptability
Why did the RSS invite him? Besides being an eminent person, Mukherjee has developed a good relationship with the RSS sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat. He even hosted Bhagwat over lunch at Rashtrapati Bhavan before he laid down office, and has met him at least four times since retirement.
Second, the RSS, internally, sees this as a big step to signal that the organisation was acceptable to the Congressmen outside the Nehru-Gandhi family and that despite so much of maligning, an eminent a person like Mukherjee, who is known for his leftist ideals, will find time to visit the RSS headquarters. “Former president Pranab Mukherjee’s acceptance to attend the RSS event in Nagpur sends a message to the country that on vital issues there should be dialogue and adversaries are not enemies. Questions raised on the RSS and Hindutva are being answered,” points out RSS ideologue Rakesh Sinha. Union minister Nitin Gadkari, who has played a role in the friendship between the two, has said, “Mukherjee’s acceptance of the invitation is a good start. Political untouchability is not good”.
Third, the RSS had invited eminent persons in the past too. The RSS mouthpiece ‘Organiser’ noted in its latest issue: “In 1934, Mahatma Gandhi had attended a Sangh shivir [camp] at Wardha and held discussions with the first sarsanghchalak of RSS, K.B. Hedgewar on the future of Bharat.” Other eminent personalities like former president Abdul Kalam, Sarvodaya leader Prabhakar Rao, Swami Chinmayananda, Jayaprakash Narayan too have attended various Sangh Shiksha Vargs or other programmes.
Eyeing a new role
Why did Mukherjee accept the RSS invitation? A person of his calibre and political shrewdness would not have done so without some thinking. No doubt that by doing so, he has left many in the Congress red-faced. Congress president Rahul Gandhi is a staunch critic of the RSS. Some say that Mukherjee is disappointed with the current Congress. The Gandhis do not consult him or avail of his wisdom. He knew that Sonia Gandhi had nominated him as a presidential candidate because she was under pressure to do so. On the other hand, Modi had been quite deferential to him and the two got on well during his tenure at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Second, Mukherjee continues to remain a politician at heart and it is speculated that he might be open to playing a key role as a non-NDA pole in future. He was perhaps the best prime minister that India never had. In his book ‘The Coalition Years’, documenting his disappointment, Mukherjee noted, “I returned with a vague impression that she (Sonia Gandhi) might wish to consider Manmohan Singh as the UPA presidential nominee. I thought that if she selected Singh (Manmohan Singh) for the presidential office, she may choose me as the prime minister. I had heard a rumour that she had given this formulation serious thought while on a holiday in the Kaushambi Hills”.
Third, Mukherjee might not want to be forgotten like his predecessor Pratibha Patil. He is still active and would not like a diminished public profile.
All eyes, including the opposition’s, are on what Mukherjee would speak at the RSS function. Speculation is that he might talk of Gandhian and Nehruvian ideas. He might praise the RSS for their work in the tribal areas and their discipline. He might not endorse the RSS, but also won’t be critical of them. Being a clever politician, Mukherjee would not allow the RSS to use him, instead he would use the occasion to his advantage.
Playing down the controversy, Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said, “Pranab Mukherjee left politics on assumption of the presidency. His speaking at any convocation is absolutely no indication of his beliefs. Judge him by what he says and what his established beliefs during 50 years of political life are”. We should leave it at that although there is much more than what meets the eye.
Where do you monitor all the replies?
This old man was selected for president by Gandhi’s on contest to APJ Abdul kalam SIR.. Now the guy is telling was ignored … This guy don’t know what is called ignored..you will learn it very soon from RSS..
@jai hind??
Liberal’s murderous antipathy towards the Hindu groups is self evident in their bellyaching and handwringing about Pranab Mukherjee’s presence at an RSS function. The fact that Rahul Gandhi – and his assorted squad of goons and mob lawyers are all threatened incredibly by the RSS and its true extent. Expect a targeted and sustained witch-hunt against the RSS should they ever return to power in the Center.
He is prooving that congress was right to judge him..
Why people have itching on their ass? RSS isn’t a terrorist outfit. It’s the
patriotic, selfless nationalist Organization which have been always helped people during the toughest times. Secondly there is no place for the able leadership in Congress or any other political parties other than BJP in India. As an ex Prez what’s the problem if he addresses RSS. I know, some people have pain in their ass and they cann’t digest this. They don’t have the brain to differentiate between good and bad.
Among opposition there is no name universally acceptable as PM.By playing his card judiciously he may hope to be a formidable candidate against Modi.
The former President is a thoroughgoing Congressman. His loyalty to the core principles of the Congress party is unquestionable. Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) created from the raw stuff of the opposition parties a movement against Indira Gandhi, and in 1977 brought into existence a workable coalition government following Indira’s downfall. I can only think of Pranab Da to play a transformational role, akin to JP’s, to restore constitutional values in in public life, and thwart in 2019 the march of Modi’s fascistic politics spin-doctored by Hindutva which receives revelation from the RSS. I believe Pranab Mukherjee is not impressed by the state-of-the-art jumlas practised by Modi-Shah duo.
He should be welcomed to the BJP fold.
Aspirant for Bharat Ratna?
Do you know the process of Bharat Ratna?
Probably time for.the media.to maintain composure and watch the developments rather than throwing out speculations. PM (pranabh mukherjee) accepts an invitation from RSS. Fine.
At least on paper, RSS is a registered movement interested in national security and development. PM is a former president of India who has maintained the honours of the post when in office – as the first citizen free from any influence from political parties. Where is the conflict?
If at all, why should it lead to speculations that he will lead a non-NDA and non-UPA alliance? Why is RSS interested in it, unless it wants to split votes and make BJP emerging as a winner again? Citizens of India can be assured that Mr. Mukherjee will never support such a move, for the nation still has trust in him. Media should restrain enthusiasm and watch.
Some time in future paigamber will also attend RSS shakha.
RSS is not a terrorist organisation.Mukarji knows very well about this organisation.So he accepts their invitation.Thats all.Ther is no politics behind this.
The day will come when all the political parties will get there affiliation from RSS only and this is the only thing in favour of our nation because the core ideology of RSS is by indians for indians.
He is free citizen. He can do whatever he wants. Why people are so apprehensive. Paticularly why congress is so worried. Any way congress drove him out of the party by making him President instead of PM. So it is better to leave him to his own instead of making such useless analysis.
1. I think what author of this article says is right. As I see it nothing much will be achieved by merely criticising Shri Pranab Mukherjee, former President of India, for accepting invitation from RSS to be a chief guest of valedictory function of volunteers’ training camp. Let us be patient and wait till 7th June, on which day Shri Pranab Mukherjee is scheduled to address RSS volunteers. 2. Let us be reminded that Congressmen who are opposed to Communists have willingly accepted their assistance when need arose. 3. I too have my own differences with RSS ideology but I make efforts to understand (a) how RSS first succeeded in increasing its influence on the educated middle class and why today this class has moved away from the Congress party, perhaps never to return to it; and (b) whether any great objective will be fulfilled by saying that RSS ideology is based on fascist principles, without making efforts to offer a viable alternative to that ideology. Here I am reminded of fact that in past good many from the educated middle class were attracted to the leftists’ ideology but they moved away from the Left.
After coming in touch of Narendra Modi his perceptions regarding RSS were cleared these misgivings were created by rascal Nehrus. patriotism as a sin , gradually truth prevailing. even honest and pro India Muslims are seen going RSS shakhas in Ahmedabad
It’s all for the sole reason that RSS wanted to portray a secular image for the 2019 elections.
Ex- Presidents are meant to retire and give public discourse, Pranabda is entitled for his turn, Indian media is as usual out of context, Pranabda will give the RSS a lesson on Nationalism, Patriotism, Nehruvian India, Secularism, I trust this grand old Congressman, you hold a knife to him, still will not betray himself and the Congress party.
Pranabda Sidelined by Gandhi family and other Gandhi chamchas
Powerful leader Sonia knows that pranab is strongest prime ministerial candidate so she send him to president area and promoted silent mode prime minister Manmohan Singh.
Ek test as do solar.
Now time for revenge.
Vengeance from Bengal.
The history of bengal the hindus is that of serving others from pre british to post british era, may be even beyond. Despite having stalwart leaders, writers and social reformers they could never galvanise and serve their own community from a common platform. Its a paradox that hindu bengalis take less pride in their own community mosrly appreciating the grass on the other side and always willing to emulate……
Why are people demonising RSS ?Is it because it is an Hindu organisation..Congress which is a pro Muslim party systamatically grilled to Indian public that it is anti national organisation.The guillaible public believed it.While Muslim league AIMIM are apewing venom against Hindus and Christian missionaries are on a converting spree which creates tension in the society are praised and given all support Hindus are treated as second class citizens even after Independence.
After all politicians are politicians
It’s a very appropriate comment, it is not under stood that why the media is behind it why they dilute mud and water togethrly, an experienced party member,a minister,and a president is not having a fake hearted mentality to whom a party can not rely now so the media,take it easy supposing him a normal citizen ( a president in action is also a normal citizen in citizen idol) who has right to choose what he should do or not,a person if invited he can share his point of view,it should not be a matter of critic, acceptance to this proves him a broad minded no doubt,thanks
The prime ministerial field from the opposition space is getting a little crowded now. Purely in terms of ministerial performance, the last stint as Finance Minister was lacklustre. It has been a half century of eminence in public life, culminating in the presidency. A return to active politics would not add to stature in the eighties. 2. The visit to RSS headquarters for a lecture on the Constitution is most welcome.
He can still be a congReSS man!