Government Allows RSS Participation for Employees
- An order from the Ministry of Personnel permits government workers to join RSS activities.
- This decision has sparked a controversy and led to clashes between opposition parties and the ruling BJP.
- The move has drawn criticism from prominent figures like Asaduddin Owaisi.
The Indian government's recent decision to allow government employees to participate in activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has sparked significant backlash from opposition leaders. AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticized the move, labeling it "wrong" and highlighting that the initial ban was based on the premise that government employees should not engage in political organizations. He emphasized that the current BJP-NDA government is undermining this principle by permitting such involvement. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram echoed Owaisi's concerns, asserting that serving government officials should not be affiliated with any political group. He questioned the rationale behind lifting the ban, which was originally instituted for valid reasons. Chidambaram's sentiments were supported by fellow Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, who linked the deteriorating state of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to the influence of RSS members within these institutions. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Manoj Jha expressed his dismay, suggesting that the current situation would be a point of shame for India's bureaucratic integrity. He lamented that bureaucrats, who should prioritize national service, might now be swayed by ideological affiliations. In contrast, Madhya Pradesh BJP President VD Sharma defended the decision, accusing the Congress party of engaging in "politics of appeasement." BJP leader Amit Malviya further stated that the central government has rightfully rescinded an "unconstitutional order" that had restricted government employees from participating in RSS activities for nearly six decades.