RSS uses Navratri stick to take aim at China

Cashing in on the anti-China sentiments that have risen after China blocked a tributary of the Brahmaputra in Tibet, RSS volunteers are visiting Navratri pandals in the state, with a message that Indians should stop using Chinese products.

To take the issue further and absolve the BJP-led government of any responsibility, messages are being circulated that an alleged World Trade Organisation (WTO) agreement has tied the hands of the government and it cannot stop import from China right now. Hence, the onus now lies on people to stop using Chinese products, say the RSS volunteers.

After the Uri terror attack that claimed the lives of 19 Indian soldiers, anti-Pakistan sentiments are on rise. With reports of China stopping water of the Bramhaputra river as part of the construction of its “most expensive” hydro-power project which could cause concern in India as it may impact water flows into the lower riparian countries, anti-China sentiments have also risen. There are messages that are being circulated on social media as well as on WhatsApp, that people should boycott Chinese products.

Vipin Menon, an RSS volunteer from Konkan division, claimed that already volunteers from the organisation have started visiting the pandals. “Yes, we are going to pandals, and over there we are making short speeches and asking people to boycott Chinese products. Already in our area, some people from the organisation have visited the pandals,” he said. While the volunteers are giving only short speeches at the pandals, the right-wing members are sending long messages on social media. “It is difficult to speak a lot at pandals, we can speak maximum up to five minutes not more. Hence, the long messages are being circulated via different mediums,” said Mr Menon.

A part of the message reads: “Officially, India cannot stop Chinese products flowing into the country under WTO regime. Official ban on import from a WTO member country without sufficient reason will attract heavy penalty on India’s exports. Indian exporters will eventually land in trouble ”

Meanwhile, in Mumbai, the BJP claimed that the messages sent across social media and messaging apps are already gaining momentum. Niranjan Shetty, chief spokesperson, Mumbai BJP, said, “People of the country will have to rise against Chinese products and they are already doing it. This move is by the public. Everybody is aware of China’s stand on the Indo-Pak relationship. We are sure that in the long run people will completely stop using Chinese products.”