As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh marks its centenary, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh Tuesday recalled a significant historical incident from the early days of India’s constitutional journey.
On the occasion of the RSS’s 100th anniversary, he drew attention to an episode from January 4, 1949, when the Constituent Assembly convened to debate the draft Constitution in the Constitution Hall, New Delhi.
In a tweet from his official handle, he highlighted the Assembly proceedings chaired by then Vice President Dr H C Mookherjee. Quoting the official record, Ramesh pointed out, “Before we begin the business of the Houses, I have to inform honourable Members that yesterday information was received that members of the R.S.S. would somehow secure entrance into the lobbies and galleries in order to create disturbance. Fortunately, this was prevented….”
Ramesh’s recollection serves as a reminder of the tense political environment surrounding the framing of the Constitution, marked by ideological divisions and apprehensions about disruptive elements during the historic debates.
“The RSS, now celebrating 100 years, was once perceived as a potential threat to the Constituent Assembly’s proceedings,” Ramesh said. “This incident underlines the challenges faced by the architects of our democracy in ensuring a peaceful and orderly framing of the Constitution.”
The RSS, founded in 1925, has evolved into a powerful cultural and political force in India. The centenary celebrations have sparked reflections on the organization’s complex legacy, including its role during India’s formative years.
As the nation commemorates the RSS’s milestone, Ramesh’s reminder of the 1949 incident underscores the need to remember the diverse and often contentious narratives that shaped modern India’s democratic foundation. END