Sabarimala entry: RSS in a quandary

Palakkad: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), more precisely the national leadership of the Sangh, seems to be caught in a quandary on the issue of women's entry into Sabarimala. For some time, the conflicting views within the organizations have been emerging in the open through media. The central leadership assessment is that the Sabarimala stance is the latest instance of that. In any case, the involvement of several senior leaders in the matter is vexing the leadership.

The inference of the national leadership is that a leader, who was tipped even for the position of state BJP president, and working with a north Indian base, together with some working around the office in Elamakkara, are the ones who brought the difference to the fore. RSS had initially taken a stand of supporting entry of women into Sabarimala. But later it changed its stance, with the perception that it will not serve to make inroads in Kerala.

Some in the organization are still supporting the entry of women; the latest example of that was the article written by Sanjayan, deputy director of Bharatiya Vichara Kendram in 'Janmabhumi' supporting women's entry. Although the paper carried a rejoinder to that in the form of editorial, the differences are far from over. Intellectual Cell Convenor TG Mohandas, and RSS Prantha Pracharak Harikrisha Kumar are in favour of allowing female entry. And indications are that they enjoy the support of senior leader R Hari too.

Both factions have conveyed their position to the national leadership. The viewpoint supporting the court order, expressed publicly by SNDP, KPMS, and tribal leader CK Janu, has been used by those who favour women's entry. These leaders are learnt to have informed the national leadership that the current agitation will not fetch any gains.

However, those who lead the strike are of the view that it will benefit the organization in proving that its stances have got acceptability among the Hindus which will in turn help in elections.