The Modi-led government has recently issued an order removing a longstanding ban on the participation of government officers in the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a move that has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders.
The controversial decision, announced last week, overturns a 58-year-old directive that had prohibited government employees from engaging in RSS activities. This original ban, instituted on November 30, 1966, was aimed at curbing government officers’ involvement with both the RSS and the Jamaat-e-Islami.
Amit Malviya, head of the BJP’s IT department, shared a screenshot of the order on social media, asserting that an “unconstitutional” directive issued 58 years ago has been appropriately rescinded by the current government. Malviya argued that the original ban should never have been enacted.
In contrast, Congress leaders have strongly condemned the move. Congress general secretary for Communications, Jairam Ramesh, highlighted an office memorandum dated July 9, issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension, which detailed the removal of the RSS from the list of prohibited organizations for government servants.
“The undersigned is directed to refer to the OM dated 30.11.1966, OM No. 7/4/70-Est.(B) dated 25.07.1970 and OM No. 15014/3(S)/80-Estt. (B) dated 28.10.1980 on the above subject. The aforesaid instructions have been reviewed and it has been decided to remove the mention of Rashtriya Swayam Sewak Sangh (RSS) from the impugned OMs dated 30.11.1966, 25.07.1970 and 28.10.1980,” the new order stated.
Ramesh underscored the historical context of the ban, noting that Sardar Patel had initially banned the RSS in February 1948 following Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, although the ban was later lifted based on assurances of good behavior from the RSS. Despite this, Ramesh accused the RSS of never fully adhering to these assurances, pointing out that the organization did not hoist the national flag at its headquarters in Nagpur.
“After June 4th, 2024, relations between the self-anointed non-biological PM and the RSS have nosedived. On July 9, 2024, the 58-year ban that was in force even during Mr. Vajpayee’s tenure as PM was removed,” Ramesh remarked. He sarcastically added, “The bureaucracy can now come in knickers too I suppose,” alluding to the RSS’s former uniform of khaki shorts, which were replaced by brown trousers in 2016.
Congress leader Pawan Khera also weighed in, sharing a screenshot of the original 1966 order and criticizing the Modi government’s decision to revoke it. Khera emphasized that the ban had been a measure to ensure the neutrality and integrity of government employees.
