Agra: Trust RSS to find ways to stir the pot. The organisation known for its minority-baiting tactics wants to shed the image and appear more Muslim friendly in the “Yogi” Adityanath-governed Uttar Pradesh? And what does it decide to do? Open a ‘shakha’ in the Aligarh Muslim University!
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activists have recently written a letter to Aligarh Muslim University’s vice-chancellor Tariq Mansoor, seeking permission to open ‘shakhas’ on campus.
RSS activist Muhammad Ameer Rashid, in his letter, mentioned that it is important for the students of AMU to know the work and real ideology of the organisation. “A wrong perception is being created that RSS is anti-Muslim. They’re actually a nationalist organisation. If ‘shakhas’ are held, students will know what RSS is about,” Rashid was quoted by the ANI news service.
“There is a need for the students to know the truth about the RSS. Many students are giving baseless statements against the organisation and spreading misinformation,” The Times of India quoted Rashid as saying.
In the past the Narendra Modi government told the apex court that it would withdraw its appeal, filed by the UPA government, challenging the Allahabad High Court verdict holding that the AMU is not a minority institution. The university’s identity is a controversial subject in Uttar Pradesh.
The Centre is of the view that granting minority status to the institution is in violation of the constitution as a secular India cannot fund institutions on religious lines.
But according to Rashid, RSS does not discriminate people on religious grounds and its sole intent is to work in the interest of the country.
Rashid said he has been an active participant in the different programmes organised by the shakhas in the last couple of years but did not find them anti-Muslim at all. He subsequently got enrolled with RSS, reports the ABP.
He further added that there are many people from his community who do not have any negative notion about the organisation. Rashid said a good number of students on campus follow RSS ideology but have not been vocal about it. “There are 1,200 Hindu students who want to join shakha but they cannot speak their minds openly.”
Rashid said AMU students were making negative statements about RSS without knowing the history and ideology of the organisation. “Recently AMU president stated that RSS feeds terrorists which is not true.”
According to an ABP report, the RSS activist also said there was a threat to his life and family–from some anti-social elements in Dubai–because of his association with the organisation.
“I am receiving threat calls that they will blow my house. But I don’t care about it. If serving motherland claims my life, I am even ready for that. I received a threatening phone call from Dubai and my parents are also receiving calls from various places. I will discuss the matter with RSS local authorities and if they suggest, I’ll register a complaint also to Aligarh SSP,” Rashid told the news channel.
Aligarh Muslim University Students Union president Mashkoor Ahmad Usmani has, however, vehemently opposed the move saying, “It is an educational institute, not a political hub. We will oppose this move. RSS’s ideology is to divide the nation and they will not be allowed to enter the campus.”