RSS’s Bhaiyyaji Joshi comments on farmers

New Delhi, Jan 20 (HS): The Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS) General Secretary Suresh Joshi (Bhaiyyaji) expressed serious concerns on the ongoing farmer’s agitation against three Farmer’s Laws that were implemented last year by the Centre Government.

In an interview given to an English Daily, Joshi said, “In democracy, there are always many sides and every organisation has its own expectation and generally it is difficult to find common ground and that’s why various demands are raised,” adding, “Those who have to fulfil these demands have their own limitations. It is not possible to fulfil all demands.”

He further said that where the agitators must consider that whatever they can get through dialogue, they must except. Joshi said that on the other hand the government must also think about what more it can give.

Joshi believed that if the issue has to be solved, farmers must have a discussion with the government over issues they have with the laws. There should be a positive initiative from both sides. If agitators also take a positive approach it will be good.

“The government is repeatedly saying that it was ready to discuss, but (protesters) are saying that discussion would take place only after the laws are repealed. How a discussion would take place like that,” asked Joshi.

So it is important to find that point where the two sides can agree and the agitation can end. Any agitation running for long is not beneficial. No one should have a problem with an agitation taking place. But a middle ground must be found, Joshi said.

When asked that how will there be a positive approach if those associated with the government call them agitating farmers Khalistanis and Maoists, he said, some people may be saying this but the government has not said this. “A rigidity has crept into the whole issue. Who are the people behind this, must be investigated,” Joshi added.

Supporting his statement, he said that the agitations are not getting any support from the rest of the country. At many places, such as Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, farmers are also speaking in favour of the laws. Even from among the agitating farmers, there are people in support of these new laws. So there are two views within the movement.

On the issue of agitation that was held a year ago against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) He said that the Home Minister repeatedly gave assurances to the protestors. But if you do not want to believe even a senior minister from the government, how will things move forward?

Joshi said, “No minority community will suffer but if people start saying that they do not have papers or evidence, then how any country will allow anyone to reside in? Will USA and other countries will allow, not they will kick out you once the visa expires.”

When asked that RSS was accused of pushing an agenda to reduce minorities to second-class citizens, Bhaiyyaji Joshi said, is there anything in that law that says Muslims have to be treated in any particular way? Although, it is our long-standing demand that Hindus have no other country to go to except India. So India has to think about giving citizenship to Hindus coming from outside.”

On the issue of Love Jihad, he said, “Is it good that first lure someone and then convert them. It is happening in some parts of the country. There is difference between marrying to someone by disclosing the identity. But luring anyone by hiding the identity is Love Jihad.”

Speaking on the issue of violence and tension during the donation campaign for Ram Temple allegedly spearheaded by the VHP, Joshi said, it was not VHP. In fact when a crowd gathers, some violent elements also creep in and create violence.