Why Did Shiv Sena-UBT Support RSS Chief's Remarks on Health and Education?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mohan Bhagwat emphasizes the need for accessible healthcare and education.
- Anand Dubey calls for support to the Opposition to challenge the government.
- The BJP-led government is criticized for failing in key areas.
- The Army Chief's statement regarding national security is supported.
- Concerns about voter fraud and transparency in elections persist.
Mumbai, Aug 11 (NationPress) The chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Mohan Bhagwat, recently emphasized that healthcare and education are critical needs for individuals; however, they remain largely inaccessible to the average citizen today. This statement received backing from Shiv Sena-UBT leader Anand Dubey, who on Monday called for Bhagwat to take further action by supporting the Opposition in their efforts to 'overthrow' the present government.
In an interview with IANS, Anand Dubey remarked, “We respect Mohan Bhagwat. We appreciate him for highlighting such a pressing issue. The BJP has maintained power for over eleven years in the country with a significant majority. If the common man continues to be denied adequate healthcare and quality education, then whose failure is that?”
Continuing his critique of the government, he asserted, “Your point is valid, but mere speeches won’t suffice. (BJP President) J.P. Nadda claims that we no longer need the RSS. You must clarify this to them — or we will implore you to support the Opposition. We will stand by you in protests, sit-ins, and any other form of demonstration. Mohan Bhagwat, simply speaking will not resolve the issues at hand. You are a prominent leader of a major organization, and you are respected by the entire Hindu community. We also identify as a Hindu party.”
The Sena-UBT leader further criticized the BJP-led government for disregarding dissent.
“Every time we hold up a mirror to this arrogant government, they refuse to listen. You have made a crucial observation — the government has faltered in areas such as employment, farmers' welfare, healthcare, medicine, and education. The promised ‘Achhe Din’ have yet to arrive. Whenever you speak out, your message goes unheard, and they dismiss it. We urge you to align with the Opposition now. Overthrow this arrogant government. If you cannot, then no one else will. You have elevated them to a status where they no longer acknowledge you — how will they then recognize us or the nation?”
Dubey also commented on Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi’s account regarding the aftermath of the horrific April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which prompted the extensive military operation known as ‘Operation Sindoor’ in May. The Army Chief stated, “The events in Pahalgam shocked the nation. On April 23, we convened. This was the first time that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, ‘Enough is enough’.”
He clarified that the Opposition's stance is not politically motivated regarding this incident and expressed complete trust in the army chief's statements.
“Our concerns are not with the army, but rather with the failures of foreign policy. Why was it necessary for (US President) Donald Trump to announce a ceasefire? This government is arrogant and dictatorial; it does not collaborate with the Opposition. The army and the nation are our top priorities. When national interests are at stake, we will always unite. The Opposition is equally patriotic. We fully endorse what the army chief has stated,” Dubey added.
Regarding the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) notice to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, seeking evidence for his claims of voter fraud during the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Shiv Sena-UBT spokesperson commented, “Whether the Election Commission sends one notice or a hundred, Rahul Gandhi will not be cowed. He has faced the ED, CBI, and Income Tax; he will confront the Election Commission as well. He will persist as the people's voice because the populace has chosen him as the Leader of the Opposition.”
“Rahul Gandhi will not be intimidated by any notice — he will reveal the truth behind the theft.”
On the INDIA Bloc leaders’ march from Parliament to the ECI headquarters protesting the alleged discrepancies in Bihar’s voter rolls, Dubey reiterated the Opposition's concerns.
“The entire Opposition asserts that there have been irregularities in the voting process. If any MP raises concerns, it is their right to do so. The ECI was once genuinely independent under T. N. Seshan. But today, who even knows Gyanesh Kumar? No one,” Dubey emphasized.
He argued that demonstrations outside Parliament should prompt the Commission to take action.
“I hope this opens their eyes. The ECI must address all allegations of irregularities and vote theft,” he concluded.