Stanford, April 18 (NationPress) The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has endorsed significant political reforms such as “one nation, one election”, as its General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale advocates for a governance model built on national unity, political integrity, and civic awareness. He also highlighted substantial structural and social challenges confronting India's democracy.

In an exclusive interview commemorating the RSS's centenary, Hosabale asserted that conducting simultaneous elections nationwide would enhance democratic operations and diminish the occurrence of political disturbances.

“The concept of one nation, one election is already well established,” he remarked, categorizing it as a critical reform for India's political landscape.

He also expressed support for increasing women's representation in governance, labeling “33 percent female participation” as a transformative step that could significantly influence political decision-making.

Hosabale emphasized that mere structural reforms are inadequate without a profound shift in the political consciousness of the populace.

“Citizens need political education to form informed opinions, which is crucial for both society and the nation,” he stated, stressing the importance of engaged civic involvement.

He contended that democracy must extend beyond elections to embody a broader ethos centered on responsibility and national interest.

“Political parties must prioritize the nation first, followed by other considerations. This principle should be absorbed by all political entities,” he insisted.

Critiquing what he referred to as “appeasement politics,” Hosabale noted that it has inflicted significant harm on the country’s social fabric and the unity and welfare of the nation.

“Appeasement politics must be completely abolished,” he stated, while reiterating that equality should remain at the heart of governance.

“All Indians possess equal rights. No one should be treated as a second-class citizen,” he added.

He pointed to the uniform civil code as a measure to attain legal equality and bolster national unity, arguing that all citizens ought to be treated equally under the law, regardless of their religious or linguistic backgrounds.

In response to a query, Hosabale connected the rising political influence of individuals linked with the RSS to shifting voter expectations, suggesting that governance performance and cultural grounding have influenced electoral results.

“The growing awareness among the populace... they are realizing that they can achieve better societal welfare,” he remarked, citing ongoing electoral successes at the national level and in various states.

He noted that earlier political tactics that relied on social or identity divisions “did not resonate with the Indian public,” resulting in a gradual change in public sentiment.

According to Hosabale, leadership emerging from an RSS background has played a role in “maintaining social cohesion,” presenting it as a counterbalance to fragmentation in political dialogue.

Beyond electoral reforms, Hosabale proposed a more extensive framework for political and social transformation, pinpointing civic responsibility as a critical area where India continues to encounter challenges.

“Despite India's vast greatness and wealth... many individuals feel we are lacking in civic sense and civic duties,” he remarked, underscoring the necessity to enhance public discipline and community responsibility.

He mentioned that the RSS has increasingly concentrated on five areas of social transformation: fostering social harmony, strengthening familial bonds, promoting eco-friendly practices, encouraging self-sufficiency, and enhancing civic responsibilities.

Hosabale also underscored the organization's commitment to expanding its outreach and evolving with the times, characterizing the RSS as “constantly adapting.”

“RSS has been adapting to the changing times,” he said, referencing the shifts in focus before and after independence and the introduction of new initiatives to meet emerging needs.

He cited the establishment of specialized units for public service, media outreach, and communication as examples of how the organization has institutionalized its efforts.

“We initiated a department for public service, outreach, and media and communication,” he elaborated, emphasizing the increasing importance of training and skill development.

Another developing focus, he noted, is establishing networks across civil society by connecting individuals and organizations engaged in social and cultural endeavors.

“Numerous individuals are doing commendable work... yet they often work in isolation. RSS believes in harnessing the power of good, hence we aim to network them,” Hosabale stated.

He indicated that such initiatives seek to create a broader ecosystem of collaboration that transcends the RSS’s own organizational boundaries.

On a conceptual level, Hosabale described the RSS as contributing to the development of “human social capital,” framing it as both an organizational framework and a way of life grounded in cultural values.

“RSS functions as an organization in structure... but it also represents a lifestyle,” he added, asserting that its model could be adapted across various societies worldwide.