RSS at 100: Hosabale Backs ‘One Nation, One Election,’ Calls for Deeper Civic Reform

STANFORD— As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh marks its 100th year, General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale has outlined a vision for India’s future centered on electoral reform, civic responsibility, and national unity.

In an interview with Indo-Asian News Service (IANS), Hosabale expressed support for the “one nation, one election” proposal, arguing that synchronizing national and state elections could strengthen governance and reduce political disruption.

“One nation, one election already has been said,” he noted, placing the idea among key priorities for reforming India’s democratic framework.

The remarks come as the RSS reflects on a century of influence in India’s social and political landscape. Hosabale emphasized that while structural reforms are important, they must be accompanied by a broader shift in civic awareness and political understanding.

“People require the political education for thinking the right thing, which is essential for society and nation,” he said, stressing that democracy should extend beyond elections to include a deeper sense of responsibility among citizens.

Hosabale also highlighted the importance of increasing women’s participation in governance, describing the goal of 33 percent representation as “revolutionary” and potentially transformative for political decision-making.

At the same time, he criticized what he described as “appeasement politics,” arguing that such approaches have harmed social cohesion and national unity. “The appeasement politics should be totally stopped,” he said, while reaffirming that all citizens should have equal rights and status.

He pointed to the concept of a uniform civil code as a means of reinforcing legal equality across religious and linguistic groups, framing it as part of a broader effort to strengthen national integration.

Addressing the growing presence of individuals with RSS backgrounds in public office, Hosabale linked their rise to changing voter expectations and an emphasis on governance outcomes. He suggested that voters have increasingly favored leadership perceived as delivering on development and social cohesion.

Beyond electoral and political issues, Hosabale outlined five areas the RSS is prioritizing for social transformation: social harmony, family strengthening, environmental sustainability, self-reliance, and civic responsibility.

“India with all her greatness and richness… still civic sense and civic duties many a time people feel we are lagging,” he said, pointing to the need for stronger public discipline and community engagement.

He also described the RSS as an evolving organization that has adapted to changing national needs over time. This has included the creation of dedicated departments for public service, outreach, and media engagement, as well as a growing emphasis on training and skill development.

Another focus, he said, is building networks among individuals and organizations engaged in social and cultural initiatives. “Many people doing good work… they are all working in their silos. RSS thinks that this is the power of the good, so we should network them,” he said.

Framing the organization’s long-term role, Hosabale described the RSS as contributing to what he called “human social capital,” combining institutional structure with a broader cultural and societal ethos.

“RSS is an organisation by structure… but RSS is a lifestyle,” he said, suggesting that its model could have relevance beyond India as it enters its second century.