RSS-BJP’s two vocabularies — at home and abroad

The RSS chief's speech at Madison Square Garden in New York showcased two distinct vocabularies within the RSS-BJP: one suited for international audiences, and another reserved for domestic political discourse. The chief's assertion that a Hindu unwilling to accept Muslims as equals cannot be a true Hindu underscored India's inclusive character. However, the challenge lies in translating this ideology from the global stage to the political arena within India.

The RSS and BJP must not maintain separate vocabularies of India. Mahatma Gandhi would have found this separation unsettling, as he believed that the majority bore a moral responsibility to ensure the security, dignity, and equal belonging of minorities. Gandhi's vision of India was one where Hinduism was inseparable from the ability to recognize the humanity of others, a principle beautifully encapsulated in the bhajan 'Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye'.

The danger arises when political discourse domestically begins to emphasize exclusivity rather than inclusivity. Polarizing slogans and coded appeals to majoritarian anxieties create an environment where the boundaries of citizenship shift through language. It is crucial to distinguish between an explicit statement of inclusion and an atmosphere in which exclusion is subtly suggested. The RSS chief's statement deserves acknowledgment, but it should not be viewed in isolation from the broader political context.

While embracing the language of pluralism abroad may be pragmatic, the real test is whether such principles are upheld at home. India's idea of India is meaningful only when every citizen feels secure in their belonging. The writer, a Member of Parliament and a leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal, emphasizes that this moral responsibility extends to every aspect of Indian politics, from party meetings to cabinet rooms.