The RSS has said online debates and political discussions should be seen as signs of a functioning democracy, while expressing confidence in India’s institutions and youth.
RSS Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar addresses reporters in Nagpur on Friday and says differing opinions are a normal part of democratic discourse. | ANI
Amid social media chatter around the ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ (CJP), the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday sought to downplay the controversy, saying public debates and differing viewpoints are a routine feature of a healthy democracy.
Addressing reporters in Nagpur, RSS Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar said India’s democratic framework is strong enough to accommodate open discussions, criticism and diverse opinions without causing alarm. He stressed that public discourse, whether through traditional media or social media platforms, should be viewed as a natural outcome of democratic engagement.
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His remarks come as conversations around the term ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ have gained traction online, prompting questions about whether organisations such as the RSS should intervene or respond to such discussions.
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According to Ambekar, India remains an aware and participative society where transparent elections, independent media and public forums provide sufficient space for people to express their views.
“We are an aware society, and we follow the democratic process. Within that democratic process, we have transparent elections, an open media, and now social media as well. Open forums take place every day. So, I believe that in a democracy, any kind of discussion and people expressing differing opinions should not be taken as a shock. They should be considered a part of the normal process,” he said.
Asked whether the RSS should respond to such debates, Ambekar suggested that democratic institutions are capable of addressing issues arising from public discourse on their own.
He said political parties, the media and other institutions possess the strength and independence required to deal with such matters, adding that there is no reason for the RSS to step in immediately.
“These are all conversations, and the people involved will themselves deal with those issues. I believe the media is free enough to handle them. Political parties are capable, and none of our institutions are weak. They are capable of handling matters, and our system is capable as well. Therefore, I do not think the organisation (RSS) needs to rush into matters immediately,” Ambekar said.
During the interaction, Ambekar also spoke about India’s younger generation, describing them as optimistic about the country’s future and committed to contributing through constitutional means.
He said the country’s youth have faith in India’s growth trajectory and are channelising their energy towards national development.
“Our younger generation, sometimes called Gen Z, is very hopeful. They have tremendous faith in India. Whatever they do is within the constitutional process. Their contribution is towards taking India forward. The youth of our country have invested all their energy into this, and that is why the nation is progressing in every field,” he said.
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