The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) established the Samajik Samrasta Manch (social harmony forum) in 1983 in an open effort to reach out to the subaltern caste groups. The Sangh reportedly considered the word samata (equality) in place of samrasta (harmony) before finalising the name. For the past 40 years, caste politics in the northern plains has grappled with this contest between the ideals of harmony and equality and between hierarchy and justice.
Harmony does not necessarily mean justice; in fact, pursuit of justice can get contentious, and can even cause violence. Harmony does not necessarily mean the end of hierarchy or inequality.
The RSS and the BJP, which set out to build Hindu unity, had to deal with this challenge.
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