Analysis of RSS Ideology and Modi Government Critiques in Recent Cultural Works
In 2022, Devanura Mahadeva published 'RSS: The Long and the Short of It', with S. R. Ramakrishna translating it. This book critiques the ultranationalist foundations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, which are tied to European fascism. The 2023 BBC2 documentary 'India: The Modi Question' explores contentious events such as the 2002 Godhra riots, where Narendra Modi, the chief minister at the time, faced allegations but was cleared by the Supreme Court in 2022. Both the book and the documentary underline the rise in violence and intolerance during Modi's time in office. The Indian government responded by banning the documentary, conducting raids on BBC offices, and employing intimidation tactics. Arundhati Roy features in the series, highlighting dissent amid economic difficulties.
Key facts
- Devanura Mahadeva's book 'RSS: The Long and the Short of It' was published in 2022 and translated by S. R. Ramakrishna.
- The BBC2 documentary 'India: The Modi Question' aired in 2023, focusing on government actions over the past decade.
- Narendra Modi became prime minister nine years ago, with his tenure marked by increased violence and religious intolerance.
- The 2002 Godhra riots in Gujarat involved allegations against Modi, exonerated by the Supreme Court in 2022.
- The RSS was founded in 1925, with early leaders including K. B. Hedgewar, M. S. Golwalkar, and V. D. Savarkar.
- The Indian government banned the BBC documentary and raided its offices in New Delhi and Mumbai.
- Mahadeva uses folklore to critique the RSS and Modi, comparing them to an evil magician and a temple deity replica.
- Arundhati Roy appears in the documentary, emphasizing dissent without expectation of help.
Entities
Artists
- Devanura Mahadeva
- S. R. Ramakrishna
- Narendra Modi
- K. B. Hedgewar
- M. S. Golwalkar
- V. D. Savarkar
- Manu
- Amit Shah
- Arundhati Roy
Institutions
- Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)
- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- BBC2
- BBC
- Supreme Court
- British government
- Indian government
Locations
- India
- Karnataka
- Gujarat
- Delhi
- New Delhi
- Mumbai
- Nagpur
- Europe
- Hitler's Europe
- Mussolini's Europe