The trip comes at a crucial time when Shivraj Singh Chouhan government seems embroiled in several controversies including the alleged post-demonetisation Rs 500 crore Katni 'hawala' scam allegedly involving a minister of state and an illegal sand mining dumper storm in the chief minister's own constituency. Though the official version is that the visit was pre-scheduled and a regular exercise. Dr. Bhagwat visit begins from February 8.

During his visit Dr. Bhagwat will address a Hindu Convention in the tribal dominated Betul district on Wednesday. In Bhopal he will address a huge gathering of Dalits on the occasion of Sant Ravidas Jayanti. These two programmes are being viewed as part of the RSS agenda of social harmony and unification of Hindus.

The Betul congregation is regarded as a massive bid to integrate adivasis in the Hindu told. However a section of tribals is vehemently opposing the RSS initiative. As many as 22 Adivasis organisations held a joint press conference, to voice their indignation. The representatives of these organisations have categorically stated that they are not part of Hindu society. They have quoted Jawaharlal Nehru who in his book 'Discovery of India' claimed that adivasis are the original inhabitants of India. We have our own customs, we don't worship Hindu gods. They have quoted a Supreme Court judgement which clearly stated that adivasis are not Hindus. We worship trees. Before sowing we invoke the blessings of Bhaisasur. These organisations have distributed hundreds of pamphlets to convey their view and asking adivasis to boycott the so called Hindu adivasis sammelan. Several organisations also deplored the RSS design to create rift in the adivasis.

These organisations have also asked BJP Tribal MP and MLAs to clarify their stand vis a vis Betul Hindu sammelan. The MP and MLAs were given two days' time to clarify their position. These organisations also took a massive rally and banded over a memorandum to local officials. Besides the Betul Hindu Sammelan another proposed event has attracted criticism.

A Local influential newspaper has pointed out that the state government is spending government funds on the programmes which are totally religious in character. One such programme is being held to commemorate the contribution of Adi Shankracharya. This programme is being organised at Omkareshwar on February 9. The programme, is being organised by the Culture Department of the state government, will be attended by RSS Sarkaryavaha Suresh Soni, Avdheshanand Giri, Swami Tejomayanand, Sadhvi Ritambhara, Swami Nirvikaranand, Amirchand Sanskar Bharati, B Kutumbashastri and Chandraprakash Dwivedi. Besides a discussion on ‘Vedant Philosophy’ of Adi Shankaracharya, there would also be a ‘Maha-Aarti’. This programme, organised by the government, is centered on Hindu religion.

Another programme ‘Gramodaya Mela’ will be organised under the aegis of Deendayal Research Institute (DRI) Chitrakoot from February 24 to 27, to commemorate the birth centenaries of Nanaji Deshmukh and Deendayal Upadhyaya. The programme is being nominally organised by the DRI but all arrangements are being made by the government. Departments of forests, rural development, culture and others have been given various assignments in connection with the Mela.

The Narmada Seva Yatra, organised by the government, has also taken shape of a religious event. Religious activities are being held on daily basis in the Yatra. Lakhs of rupees are being spent in the name of the Yatra under various heads of different departments. The Yatra, which would conclude in five months, will cost around Rs 50 crore to the departments.

Several organisations including Congress, All India Secular Forum have criticised the use of government funds to organise programme to promote Hindu religion. These activities are against the letter and spirit of our constitution.

In this context, an instance is being recalled. When Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had proposed renovation of Somnath Temple after Independence at government cost, the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had clearly said that renovation could be done by making a Trust. Later, Nehru too made donations to the Trust.

Being in the state, Dr. Mohan Bhagwat and his team may also hold meetings with the state unit of the RSS and ask for feedback on the working of the BJP government. 'The RSS top-brass gets a daily report on the working of the government from the state unit. The organisation leaders are aware of the developments here,' a senior RSS functionary in the state said. 'However, it is quite likely that the organisation heads would meet BJP leaders here and talk to them about the recent allegations against the government, especially when there are videos of illegal mining circulating on the social media,' he added.

On February 9, Bhagwat will visit Govind Nagar near Bankhedi town of Hoshangabad district to attend the silver jubilee programme of Bhausaheb Bhuskute Samiti Nyas.

'RSS has the social responsibility of creating awareness and spreading education through its cultural ideology and regional essence. We are conducting community schools like Ekal Vidyalaya (single-teacher school) in forest areas and Bhagwat ji's visit is crucial to boost activities in the region,' RSS regional publicity in-charge, Narendra Jain said while interacting with the media. The RSS chief will also be visiting Ujjain for two days. (IPA Service)