It is often said that RSS follows Mussolini and Hitler. To what extend is it true? Hitler and Mussolini were individuals. RSS is a collective organisation created by a caste. That was not the case with Hitler or Mussolni.
The basic difference between Nazism, Fascism and RSS is that RSS ideology is based on caste system and is not merely racism. RSS brand of Fascism and Nazism have historical background unlike that of Mussolini or Hitler. And secondly, it is gaining strength in spite of its being banned by the Indian government three times between 1948 and 1992. Now it has become the ruling ideology through the rule of BJP. RSS claims ancient background as origin of its ideology, whereas Mussolini and Hitler had none like that.
In this context can be seen background of Mussolini and Hitler.
Mussolini (1883-1945): RSS is often compared with the fascism of Mussolini. Fascism was developed by Mussolini. He was the son of a blacksmith. He joined politics and was also a journalist for some time. He was the Prime minister of Italy – 1922-1943. He invented new ideology Fascism for the first time in Europe. The ideology was a combination of nationalist and socialist views. Fascism is also described as radical authoritarian nationalism, characterised by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition and control of industry and commerce. He was militaristic and racist. RSS too is of the same view. But he did not boast of the past as RSS does.
Hitler (1889-1945): Looking at the background of Hitler, we find that he was an illegitimate boy in Germany. His education was up to secondary school, and he earned his living by painting and advertising. Initially he was with the German Workers’ Party.
Hitler’s rule was temporary but the Hindu nation an everlasting phenomenon.
Hitler’s Nazi rule did not last beyond his life span. Aryan ruling or hegemony is longer than Hitler’s racial rule. He had no ideological background as is claimed (or is having) by the RSS. Mr. Golwalkar claims that, Aryans have the background of five thousand years. The Aryan concept is also the invention of Indian Brahmins. Mussolini and Hitler both did not have RSS type background. They were rulers and can be called ‘state’ as per the formulation of Golwalkar, (RSS). State or head of the state, even a king is below the Brahmin as per Brahmanical ideology. Roots of Hindu or Brahmanical hegemony are, as ancient as the Vedic times. As per the Vedas the formulation of society is hierarchical by four Varnas. In descending order Brahman caste is at the top and below it is Kshatriya, Vaishya and at the bottom the Shudra. Nothing like this was seen or propagated by Hitler or Mussolini. Aryan superiority claim by Hitler is the only common point.
Hence, Mussolini’s or Hitler’s rules were ‘state’ and not ‘nation’ according to RSS Golwalkar’s formulations. This will be clear by looking at his statement that RSS is ‘Nation’ and ‘Jansangh ‘(now BJP) are ‘states’. This is seen even today. RSS treats BJP as secondary forum. Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak (RSS head) is above Modi, the Prime Minister, as a Brahmin priest is above the king. This formulation is completely missing in the Mussolini or Hitler’s ideology. They had no Brahmin above them, nor did they advocate Varna or caste system like hierarchy or untouchability.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar very aptly compared Nazi and Brahmin rules. He speaks, “The Nazis had indeed a great deal to learn from the Hindus. If they had adopted the technique of suppressing the masses devised by the Hindus, they would have been able to crush the Jews without open cruelty and would have also exhibited themselves as humane masters.” (Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Writings and Speeches, vol. 3, p.127, Government of Maharashtra Publication, Mumbai)
The ideology of RSS and its actions are for maintaining the supremacy of one caste not only over Indian people but over even the people from foreign countries. Their arrogant claim of becoming ‘Guru’ of the world speaks of their abnormal mindset.