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Arun Kumar, joint general secretary of the RSS, said at a press conference in Bengaluru that those opposing delimitation should look at the bigger picture rather than treating it as a political agenda
Delimitation is a constitutional process in India, and elections are conducted under a democratic process, Kumar said. File pic/X
Discussions on the delimitation process should take place once a new Act is passed, and one should avoid raising unnecessary doubts and suspicions on the issue, Arun Kumar, joint general secretary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), said at a press conference in Bengaluru on Saturday.
Even as the election for the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) remains pending, Kumar said, “There are 32 organisations under the RSS. Every organisation is free to conduct elections or selection. The Sangh does not interfere in it.”
He also stated that the BJP has the freedom to decide its own process and that there is no difference in opinion between the two organisations, as both work towards nation-building.
“There are many organisations where there is no Prachar Pramukh… They function independently. But if we feel the need, or they do, we discuss, and they decide,” Kumar said.
When asked whether the BJP president has to consult the RSS, he responded, “There is no such thing. On national issues, we meet and discuss. Sometimes they call us, or we call them. But they decide independently.”
Kumar also addressed the ongoing debate on the issue of delimitation.
On the delimitation issue, he said discussions would take place when a new Act is brought into effect. He remarked that those opposing it should look at the bigger picture rather than treating it as a political agenda. “They need to decide whether they are looking at welfare,” he said.
Delimitation is a constitutional process in India, and elections are conducted under a democratic process, he said.
“Delimitation happens for elections, and there is an Act for delimitation,” Kumar said. “In 2002, a Delimitation Act was made, under which the delimitation happened. Prior to that, in 1972, the Delimitation Act was promulgated, following which delimitation was done. The discussion should happen when the delimitation process starts and an Act is prepared. To address all these issues, last time the freezing of parliamentary seats was done. The matter is closed now.”
The issue would arise only when the new Act is prepared and the Centre says that it is opening the delimitation process, the RSS functionary said. “I feel that one should avoid raising unnecessary doubts and suspicions. Trusting each other and taking everyone along is the essence of democracy. They should think about it.”
Discussions should happen only when the process of delimitation is initiated, he underscored. “Neither the census nor discussion over the delimitation has been initiated (by the government) nor has the Act been passed yet,” Kumar pointed out. “If it happens on the 2002 Act, then the freezing is already over. In my opinion, those who are having discussions on this now should also introspect whether it’s their political agenda or if they are genuinely thinking about the interests of their region. Let them think about it and ask them if the delimitation process has actually started.”
Speaking on the Bangladesh issue, Kumar said that the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS), the highest decision-making body of the RSS, had passed a resolution expressing serious concerns. “Those involved are not only making it an anti-Hindu issue but also an anti-Bharat movement. Some international forces are trying to foment instability in the entire region, creating distrust. We stand in solidarity with the Hindu society in Bangladesh,” he said during the press conference.
“We have written to the Government of India and urged them to handle the issue in the best possible way. So far, we are satisfied with the efforts made by the GoI, but they must continue until the situation normalises there,” he added.
When asked whether India should make efforts to reinstate Sheikh Hasina, the RSS joint general secretary said that Bangladesh has its own system in place and that no other country should intervene in its internal matters.
On the issue of boundary disputes between states and linguistic divisions, Kumar stated that all languages are important. “It is one people, one nation… There are many states. Any Indian can go anywhere they want. Language and food should not become issues of confrontation,” he said.
