The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was founded in 1925 by K.B. Hedgewar to give new life to the Hindu society. Over the years, it developed into the ideological nucleus of the Hindutva movement. Hindutva advocates for the establishment of a Hindu Rashtra (nation) in India by marginalizing minority groups. Especially Muslims and Christians, and promotes the Hinducentric narrative in the country’s history, culture, legislative, and administrative setup, which seeks to transform India from a secular democratic republic to an authoritarian Hindu-supremacist one.
The RSS has steadily expanded its footprint across Indian civil society. Its network today spans students (ABVP), workers (BMS), farmers (BKS), lawyers (ABAP), and even military veterans. This expansion is based on the principles of administration and how it is essential and plays a crucial role in maintaining people. For instance, during the British Raj, Muslims were boycotted for not working in an institute run by the British, whereas Hindus took advantage of it and secured positions in it. As a result, they have a firm grip over Muslims. The RSS adopted the same strategy to focus on institutions with a stronghold of people and can easily practice Hindutva philosophy.
To exercise radical policies against other religious groups RSS needed a political vehicle to support its ideas; in 1980, the BJP was established as the political successor
To exercise radical policies against other religious groups RSS needed a political vehicle to support its ideas; in 1980, the BJP was established as the political successor to the BJS; the party rose with ambitions to give full support to RSS ideology to make Hindus dominate, also take revenge on other religions as they invaded Hindustan and violated the rights of Hindus.
The demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992 galvanized Hindu nationalist sentiments and expanded the political base of the BJP, leading to its rise as a formidable party
During the second world war, the Nazis effectively used propaganda to win the support of millions of Germans in a democracy and, later in a dictatorship, to facilitate persecution, war, and ultimately genocide. They believed in spreading lies until people believe it. The same situation happened in late 80’s, when the RSS spearheaded the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, with the propaganda seeking to reclaim the Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya for Hindus. The movement unified the Hindu community and significantly boosted the BJP’s electoral prospects. The demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992 galvanized Hindu nationalist sentiments and expanded the political base of the BJP, leading to its rise as a formidable party.
The creation of Bajrang Dal by the RSS was the second strategy to demolish minorities’ rights by imposing strict laws, appreciated and supported by Hindu nationalists. For instance, the campaign was started for the protection of animals (cows), “love jihad.” In 2019, the mob ultimately lynched a Muslim in Hapur over the protection of animals. The animals to be protected was a scam, and the power was the reason. Cow and Love Jihad cannot be posited national danger. But it is used as an ultra-nationalism card. Tactics like that lynching the people and spreading fear for political purposes. Another example is Modi opened a Ram temple built on the ruins of a historically Mughal-era Mosque. The purpose behind the mosque’s opening was to gain support in the general election. Creating a nationalist spark in the people. This continuity, has come at the cost of dismantling foundational elements of Indian democracy—pluralism, secularism, and social cohesion.
The (RSS) and the (BJP) share a mutual relationship rooted in ideology, organization, and long-term vision.
The (RSS) and the (BJP) share a mutual relationship rooted in ideology, organization, and long-term vision. Over the decades, the RSS has fostered generations of leaders, many of whom have gone on to lead the BJP and shape India’s political discourse. Among them, Narendra Modi stands as a key figure. Who had been associated with the RSS ideology since childhood and dedicated himself as a full-time volunteer before entering active politics. Modi served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, and then as the Prime Minister started to establish his leadership style. He mainstreamed many of its core beliefs, from cultural nationalism to strong centralized leadership that facilitated India’s internal and external political and policy frameworks.
The RSS views Pakistan as a result of the partition of India, which it considers a historical betrayal as well as viewing Pakistan as the enemy
The RSS and BJP have become masters at navigating and exploiting to consolidate their support and reshape the national discourse. The RSS views Pakistan as a result of the partition of India, which it considers a historical betrayal as well as viewing Pakistan as the enemy. This stance fuels an anti-Muslim approach with zero-tolerance. After 2014, when Modi assumed charge as prime minister, the major policy he carried was to destabilize Pakistan through proxies. For political achievement, by conducting false flag operations such as the Uri terrorist attack in 2016, the government of India suggested the suspension of the Indus treaty.
After the Uri attack Modi stated that “blood and water cannot flow together.”
After the Uri attack Modi stated that “blood and water cannot flow together.” Later on, In the Pulwama attack in 2019, India-backed RSS voices pushed for a strong response, contributing to the Balakot airstrikes. In retaliation, Pakistan responded with a surprise attack. As a result, Pakistan hit the Indian Mig 21 fighter jet as well as captured wing commander Abhi Nandan.
In the recent Pahalgam attack in the Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir in which 26 civilians were killed on 22 April 2025 the Modi-led government explicitly framed Pakistan as responsible for the attack. India also launched a global diplomatic campaign against Pakistan, as well as started digital propaganda and media outreach to build a narrative against Pakistan the world over. Also, India’s suspension of the Indus water treaty is a long-standing and rare symbol of cooperation between the two nations but it does not suit BJP and RSS’s broader ideological strategy of framing Pakistan as an existential threat.
India plays dirty games in Balochistan through its proxies, Supporting Separatist groups, funding the BLA, and spreading terror
The ruling party’s narratives consistently equates national security with cultural nationalism, using Pakistan not just as a geopolitical rival but also as a symbol of external and internal threats. This framing will help mobilize domestic support, especially during election cycles, but comes at the cost of diplomatic restraint and regional peace. India’s response to the Pahalgam attack represents a sharp escalation in the region’s tensions. On the other hand, India plays dirty games in Balochistan through its proxies, Supporting Separatist groups, funding the BLA, and spreading terror.
India screams victimhood every time there’s a blast in Kashmir, instantly blaming Pakistan, yet forgets that Pakistan bleeds daily in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. As South Asia stands at a critical juncture, the international community must urge restraint and encourage both nations to return to constructive engagement to avoid a more profound crisis.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.
