Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Misrepresentation

Sir, — We are shocked to find that an RSS spokesman, in justification of the Sangh's recent resolution, has referred mischievously to remarks by the late Mahavir Tyagi in the Constituent Assembly (March 28). The remarks were made on August 27, 1947, on an amendment moved by a member of the Muslim League who sought to introduce separate electorates. Tyagi opposed this and supported general electorates which necessitate seeking and retaining the confidence of the majority. The RSS spokesman has used the speech selectively and out of context.

The tenor of Tyagi's speech is opposed to the RSS ideology, both in general and as recently manifested in the specific context of Gujarat. For instance, in his speech Tyagi said: ``We cannot recognise religions as far as the state is concerned"; ``we will legislate in a manner that will be a guarantee against all injustice;" ``we belong to that part of the country which has guaranteed at the very outset safety of life and property to everyone in this country"; and ``we do not believe in discarding minorities or finishing them or killing them...'' Those who heard Tyagi had no misconceptions about what he was saying or what he stood for throughout his life.

Uma Rani and Anil Nauriya,
Mahavir Tyagi Foundation,
New Delhi

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