Social work is the primary mission of Ramakrishna Mission (RKM). It has always consciously kept itself away from politics. Recently, the RSS tried to use the organisation for its own ends through providing false information. It has come to our notice that a journalist and RSS pracharak, Rantideb Sengupta tried to organise a programme at Ramakrishna Mission Golpark, which was supposed to be attended by several big names of RSS. After getting to know of the whole thing, the RKM cancelled the programme.
Rantideb has claimed in his Facebook post, “Swami Subirananda never protests the false statements made by the chief minister. Since he doesn’t, should it be taken for granted that his organisation is in agreement with this kind of politics? The chief minister has claimed that the Ramakrishna Mission is being threatened. Let the Ramakrishna Mission say clearly who is threatening them.”
Rantideb has alleged in his post, “Ramakrishna Mission is getting itself involved in politics”. He has also attacked Mamata Banerjee by levelling the charge that she is a “middle-level politician”. He has written, “The Chief Minister has no sense of right and wrong. Of course, it is but natural to expect her to say what she has said after what happened with respect to the Chicago programme in memory of Swami Vivekananda. A middle-level politician like her is not expected to have any sense of right and wrong.” After the post came to light, a lot of criticism is being made against it, though he is least concerned.
So who is this Rantideb Sengupta? He is a very important Sangh pracharak. At the same time, he is part of the editorial team of a pro-Hindutva daily. Now, why was he desperate to use the RKM through giving false information? It has been learnt that he wants to contest the next Lok Sabha election from Bengal. The people of Bengal have a special place in their hearts for Ramakrishna Math and Mission. Rantideb wants to use that sentiment to get some mileage.
Ramakrishna Mission has its branches all over the world. It has very good relations with all governments. It had played a crucial role in India’s struggle for independence too. Politicians, irrespective of being Left- or Right-leaning, can visit Belur Math, and they regularly do too. Everyone is received with equal warmth. This is the first time that someone has tried to use the RKM for their own end.
We have also come to know that Rantideb had taken diksha from the Ramakrishna Mission. He had simply tried to use this fact to achieve his own end. This is really a very low-minded effort to achieve fame with. The Ramakrishna Mission has no need for endorsement from a person like Rantideb Sengupta who tries to use the goodwill of the former to achieve his own narrow ends, and wants to promote Hindutva through the RSS.