RSS targets Muslim universities, installs Modi-loyal Muslims in key roles
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In a strategic move aimed at consolidating support from the Muslim community ahead of the upcoming general elections, a right-wing group with ties to the ruling BJP has reportedly recommended Muslim personalities who are loyal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Muslim universities.
According to officials cited in a recent Reuters report, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Hindu nationalist organization, is orchestrating efforts to sway Muslim voters away from opposition parties by implementing various tactics.
Historically, the BJP has struggled to secure significant support from Muslim voters, garnering only about 9% of their votes in past elections. However, with aspirations of expanding its share to up to 17% in the upcoming polls, the party, through its affiliated groups like the RSS, is intensifying its outreach efforts within the Muslim community.
One of the key strategies outlined in the report involves the placement of Muslim allies in prominent positions within universities, a departure from previous approaches that relied solely on external messaging.
By infiltrating these educational institutions, the RSS aims to cultivate a sense of loyalty to Prime Minister Modi and the BJP among Muslim students and faculty members.
The report highlights concerns raised by Muslims and rights groups regarding the BJP government's alleged propagation of anti-Islamic rhetoric and incidents of vigilantism targeting Muslim-owned properties, including mosques and religious schools.
Critics view the RSS's efforts within universities as part of a broader agenda aimed at reshaping the narrative around Islam in India and consolidating Hindu nationalist ideology.
The RSS's Muslim Rashtriya Manch, established in 2002 for dialogue between Muslims and the RSS, has reportedly seen a significant increase in membership since Modi assumed office, indicating a growing presence within the Muslim community. This surge in membership reflects the organization's concerted efforts to engage with Muslims and promote its nationalist agenda.
According to a spokesperson for the RSS, the group's focus on universities in Muslim-majority areas, such as Kashmir, is particularly significant due to their historical role as centres of Islamic activism.
The spokesperson claims that these institutions have traditionally been resistant to Indian nationalism, often disregarding national symbols like the Indian flag and refraining from participating in national celebrations. However, the RSS aims to change this narrative by fostering a sense of patriotism among students and faculty members through its outreach efforts.
Specific universities mentioned in the report include Aligarh Muslim University, the University of Kashmir, Jamia Millia Islamia, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, and Jamia Hamdard, where the RSS is said to be actively expanding its influence.
While the RSS's efforts within Muslim-majority universities signal a departure from its traditional outreach strategies, critics warn against the potential consequences of politicizing educational institutions and manipulating religious sentiments for electoral gains. As the general elections approach, the extent to which these efforts will impact voter sentiments within the Muslim community remains to be seen.
