RSS’ Palakkad Pivot: Going Soft on Caste Census, Tougher Stance on OTT Content & Focus on Gender Justice

The Samanvaya Baithak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which was held in Palakkad this year, marked a significant shift in the organisation’s public stance and perception on several contentious issues. The Sangh also appeared to soften its position on caste-related matters and caste census, expressing a conditional openness to caste data collection and affirming its support for reservation policies.

The Sangh reiterated support for constitutional reservation, stressing that caste data should serve the welfare of all sections of society, not just electoral gains.

This move by the Sangh Parivar suggests a strategic recalibration, likely influenced by the current political climate and the growing demand for caste-based data. The decision to do so clearly indicates that the RSS wants to make a strong statement.

OTT Content Regulation, Stress on Speedy Trial for Rape

On the issue of OTT content, the organisation advocated for stricter regulation, linking the consumption of ‘certain types of content’ to social deviance and criminal behaviour, including rape. The statement comes amid rising concerns over the impact of digital content on societal norms and individual behaviour, particularly in cases of sexual violence.

In a more assertive tone than ever before, the RSS called on the government to revisit and amend rape-related laws, stressing on the need for speedy trials to ensure justice for victims. This push for legal reform indicates the Sangh’s increasing focus on issues of gender justice, aligning with broader national concerns over the handling of rape cases.

The meeting called for strengthening the legal framework, promoting societal awareness, instilling values within families, enhancing education, and addressing digital content on OTT platforms to safeguard women.

Nuanced Approach Towards Gender Balance

In another unusual shift, the RSS has now started focusing more on women’s participation as an active organisational addition. The women wing of the RSS, Rashtriya Sevika Samiti, has always existed. However, their participation in active policy-making seemed to be limited. The wing now appears to have overcome the limitations.

The RSS also highlighted the importance of women’s participation in societal progress, noting the success of the Mahila Samanvay’s initiative, which saw 6,00,000 women attending 472 district-level conferences. The meeting also reviewed activities related to Ahilyabai’s tri-centenary celebrations and planned for the 500-year birth centenary of Tribal Queen Rani Durgavati, led by Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram.

Overall, the three-day-long Baithak revealed a nuanced approach by the RSS, balancing traditional viewpoints with the need for adaptability in the face of evolving societal and political dynamics.