The Role of RSS and Nathuram Godse in the Assassination of Gandhi

Within the discourse surrounding the assassination of Gandhi, the relationship between Nathuram Godse and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has been a contentious issue. Understanding the accurate historical context is crucial for a comprehensive analysis. This article aims to clarify the misconceptions and provide a clear picture of Godse's affiliation with RSS and his motives for assassinating Gandhi.

Myth Debunked: Godse's RSS Membership

It is claimed that Nathuram Godse was an RSS member, which has been confirmed by his brother. However, a deeper examination throws light on the factual inaccuracies associated with this claim. The RSS does not have a process of joining or leaving. This means that an individual's status as an RSS member remains until the end of their life.

Nathuram Godse, in no uncertain terms, did not belong to the RSS. He himself referred to it as a 'paper tiger,' indicating his disavowal of its influence and ideology. The Godse family has consistently maintained that Godse was never an RSS member. The Justice Khosla Commission's investigation into the assassination corroborated this assertion. The commission concluded that the RSS was not connected to Godse in any manner, despite earlier speculation. This disinformation was likely pushed by the Indian National Congress (Congress) to discredit the Jan Sangh, which was vehemently opposed by the Muslim lobby at the time. This was a period when Gandhi himself advocated for the disbanding of Congress, considering that the organization was no longer necessary since the country had gained independence. However, Jawaharlal Nehru had a different vision and desired the continuation of the Congress Party to ensure his political power.

The Real Motivation Behind Godse's Deed

Motive analysis is essential in understanding the assassination of Gandhi. Nathuram Godse killed Gandhi primarily due to his belief that Gandhi was unfairly appeasing Muslims while neglecting the interests of Hindus. Though Godse was indeed a member of the RSS at an early stage, his active association with the organization ceased. His active political affiliations included being a member of the Hindu Mahasabha, a different organization from the RSS. Both these groups were not directly involved in orchestrating the assassination. Gandhi bore the brunt of his perceived betrayal for two reasons: the payment of a large sum to Pakistan when Parliament had stopped the fund due to the raid on Kashmir, and his inaction in the face of Muslim atrocities, particularly in 1947, during a period of brutal violence against Hindus.

It is noteworthy that many of the present leaders, including Congress party members, communal leaders from SP, BSP, and RJD, do not speak up about these historical injustices as they see Muslims as their vote banks. Similarly, in 1947, when Kashmiri Pandits were forced to leave the valley, there was no outcry from any political leader, save for those from the RSS and its affiliated organizations, who took this stand.

Conclusion: Legal and Ethical Accountability

The assassination was a group conspiracy, of which Godse was an active participant. Neither the RSS nor the Hindu Mahasabha can be legally held responsible or blamed for the assassination. The aftermath of the partition and the role of democracy in resolving such issues were not taken seriously by then. Godse's actions, driven by his distaste for the perceived non-action of Gandhi, highlight the complex political and social dynamics of the time. What Godse's family claims and seeks to imply is highly irrelevant in the larger context of historical accuracy and public record.