Nagpur: An RTI reply from the Ministry of Home Affairs has categorically denied that it has no evidence or records to affirm any perceived threats and challenges to the Hindu faith.
In RTI reply to Nagpur-based activist Mohnish Jabalpure, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), headed by BJP stalwart leader Amit Shah, declared explicitly that it has no records or evidence about any so-called 'threats,' to the Hindu faith.
On the 31st of August, Jabalpure filed a daring RTI request asking the MHA for proof of "threats to the 'Hindu religion' in the country.
After a month, the MHA's CPIO (Internal Security) V.S. Rana responded, stating that they are neither aware of nor possess any evidence suggesting alleged dangers to 'Hindu religion'.
The response, bordering on mild reprimand, stated that under RTI Act rules, Public Information Officers (PIOs) can only provide information that is available to them or falls within their jurisdiction. However, because the Centre has no records pertaining to this, Rana contended that it was not possible to satisfy Jabalpure's 'hypothetical' query and thus it was treated as void.
"This is the first time a key functionary of the MHA has said even any query pertaining to 'threats to Hindu religion is imaginary and admitted on record that they have been no records to support any such speculation...," said Jabalpure.
He stated that the BJP and its affiliates continue to instil fear psychosis among the majority of Hindus for vested political interests, implying that their religion and religious identity are in grave danger.
"The RSS's flagship prayer in Sanskrit, 'Namaste Sada Vatsale Matrabhume', refers to saving Hindu religion and Bharatmata, which is chanted by all its activists across the country daily twice," Jabalpure explained.
He also questioned how the RSS could drill such ideas into the minds of its ordinary swayamsevaks through a daily prayer when the Centre has confidently assured that Hinduism is not under threat from any quarters, and said he plans to challenge it in court as it goes forward.