Sunil Ambekar, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, said on Wednesday that Mughal emperor Aurangzeb is not relevant in the present context. He said this while addressing a press conference on the forthcoming Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha of the RSS, to be held from March 21 to 23.
When questioned regarding the recent violence in Nagpur, Maharashtra, Ambekar said, "Violence in any form is harmful to the welfare of society. The police are already dealing with the issue, and necessary action will be taken."
To a question regarding the applicability of Aurangzeb today and whether his tomb should be relocated, Ambekar stated, "I don't think he is relevant anymore."
These are important comments, given that Sunil Ambekar is a senior RSS leader and there has been constant debate among Hindutva activists and groups in Maharashtra about the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb and violence in Nagpur related to the issue.
Ambekar also responded to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's recent attack on the RSS, in which he blamed the organization for promoting violence. Ambekar explained, "I have not watched the video of CM Siddaramaiah's statement, but our Swayamsevaks have always been involved in peaceful activities to construct the nation. This mission has been going on since day one, and we keep working."
When questioned regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur on March 30, Ambekar played down the importance, remembering that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had also visited the same place. He further stated that there was no necessity to give special importance to the visit.
Speaking of the RSS's next Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha, Ambekar explained that there would be discussions on five great changes, and two resolutions would be passed. The first resolution would be about the problems in Bangladesh, specifically the atrocities against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. He underlined that the RSS has always protested against these actions and taken part in demonstrations. We wish the security and dignity of Hindus, wherever they are in Bangladesh or elsewhere, to be maintained, and this will be the thrust of our negotiations," he said.
The second resolution would celebrate the RSS's 100-year journey, noting the organization's extended history of milestones, social, political engagement, and work for national security and integrity. Ambekar stated that the meeting would also discuss the RSS's next moves, now that it has achieved this milestone.
Ambekar also emphasized that the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha would take place from March 21 to 23 in Channenahalli, Bengaluru. The session is important as it will determine the highest policy decisions for the RSS and assess its activities and discuss future strategies. Top RSS leaders, including Chief Mohan Bhagwat and General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, will participate in the meeting, along with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President J.P. Nadda.
Ambekar further stated that RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat would also attend all meetings, which are scheduled to finish on March 23. Vijayadashami later in the year would see the centenary of RSS.
Following a break of four years, the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha will be organized in Bengaluru, and therefore this event holds a special significance in the organizational history. Throughout the session, the report of 2024-25 will be submitted by RSS chief Dattatreya Hosabale. The celebrations for the centenary will stress approaching all the segments of society.
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