Bhagwat first RSS chief to visit Gandhi Smriti, where Godse killed Bapu
■ Ventures where no Sarsanghchalak tread before
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) supremo Mohan Bhagwat became the first “Sarsanghchalak (head of the Sangh parivar)” to visit the Gandhi Smriti, the place where Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse, regarding whom there are claims and counterclaims that he had left the RSS before he committed the act.
The Gandhi Smriti was the venue for the book release function of ‘Gandhi ko Samajhnae ka Yahi Samay (This is the time to understand Gandhi),’
authored by the former NCERT director, J.S. Rajput, which was released by Mr Bhagwat who hoped that in 20 years time India will be able to proudly tell the Mahatma on October 2 (his birth anniversary) that it was functioning on the path laid by him.
In a speech that lasted for more than half an hour, Mr Bhagwat also mentioned how Mahatma led many movements and also atoned for “agitation gone wrong”, which were perceived by many as reference to some of the violent protests against the Modi government's Citizenship Amendment Act.
“He atoned for agitation gone wrong... if something went wrong in an agitation... Is there anyone these days to atone for law and order situation getting hit... it seems only those who die or who are caught and have to appear in a court have to atone,” said the RSS chief.
Constitutional expert and former secretary-general, Lok Sabha, Subhash Kashyap, who was also present on the dais, said Gandhi’s life was not about the successes that he achieved but the values he believed in.
He, however, lamented the political class for wanting power, success and prosperity at any cost.
Mr Kashyap also questioned the proposed redevelopment of the central vista, saying for the “new New Delhi, poor man's money will be used to widen the already widened rift between a jhuggi and Parliament.”