Rajasthan’s New Governor | 29 Jul 2024

Why in News?

Recently, President Droupadi Murmu appointed the veteran Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde as the new governor of Rajasthan.

Key Points

  • The Governor’s appointment, his powers and everything related to the office of Governor have been discussed under Article 153 to Article 162 of the Indian Constitution.
  • The role of the Governor is quite similar to that of the President of India. The Governor performs the same duties as the President, but for the State. 
    • The Governor stands as executive head of a State and the working remains the same as of the office of President of India. 
    • Under the Constitution of India, the governing machinery is the same as that of the Central Government.
  • It is stated that the Governor has a dual role.
    • He is the constitutional head of the state, bound by the advice of his council of ministers.
    • He functions as a vital link between the Union Government and the State Government.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)

  • About: 
    • RSS is a Hindu nationalist volunteer organisation founded in 1925 in Nagpur by Dr. K.B. Hedgewar in response to perceived threats to Hindu culture and society, particularly during British colonial rule. 
    • It aims to promote the idea of Hindutva, which emphasises Hindu cultural and national identity. 
  • Pre-Independence Era: 
    • The organization played a significant role in social and cultural mobilisation among Hindus. It focused on community service, education, and the promotion of Hindu values. 
  • Post-Independence:  
    • After India's independence in 1947, the RSS faced scrutiny, especially after the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi by Nathuram Godse in 1948. The organisation was banned for a short period but was later reinstated. 
  • Ideology: 
    • The central ideology of the RSS, articulated by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, promotes the idea that India is fundamentally a Hindu nation. 
    • The RSS emphasises the importance of Indian culture and heritage, aiming to unite people under a common national identity. 
    • The organization engages in various social service activities, including education, health care, and disaster relief, promoting the idea of "Seva" (service) among its members.