The Rise of Hindutva in Nepal: A Growing Concern for Hindu Rashtra.

BBC Report Sheds Light on RSS’s Growing Influence in Nepal towards Making a Hindu Rashtra Again.

Upananda Brahmachari | HENB | New Delhi | Aug 14, 2025::  A recent report by the BBC has highlighted the growing influence of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Nepal, particularly through its affiliate, the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS). According to the report, the HSS has been actively promoting Hindutva ideology in Nepal, with a focus on stopping conversion, banning cow slaughter, and promoting a Hindu nation. But BBC wanted not to reflect Nepali people’s aspiration to reinstate Nepal as a Hindu Rashtra again and undermine the opinion of the political parties like Rashtriya Prajatantra Party Nepal (RPPN), who are the  genuine stakeholders for a Nepal Hindu Rashtra.

Nepal’s political landscape is witnessing a significant shift with the growing influence of Hindutva ideology, sparking debates about the country’s sovereignty and democratic structure. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization from India, has been actively promoting Hindutva in order to Nepa as a Hindu Rashtra again in Nepal through its affiliate, the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS).

The Report’s Findings

The BBC report reveals that the HSS has established institutions like Ekal Vidyalaya and Pashupati Shiksha Mandir, which provide “Sanskar-based education” to children. These schools, started in 1992, operate in homes or open spaces and have become a medium to teach Hindutva ideology. The report also notes that the working style of the branches, uniform, training method, and even branch-prayer are similar to those of the RSS.

Growing Influence of Hindutva Ideology

The report suggests that the growing influence of Hindutva ideology in Nepal is a cause for concern, particularly for those who value the country’s secular and democratic traditions. Anti-Hindu critics argue that the rise of religious politics in Nepal will not only disturb the social balance but also challenge the independent identity of the country. But it is definite that the aspiration of Nepali Hindus to reinstate the country as a Hindu Rashtra again is absolutely high. Actually, the majority Hindu people are frustrated with the Maoist-Communist regime in Nepal, which turned this country into a secular state from its Hindu Kingdom and Hindu Rashtra statute.

How RSS is Active in Nepal

The HSS has been working tirelessly to spread Hindutva ideology in Nepal, particularly in rural areas. They have established institutions like Ekal Vidyalaya and Pashupati Shiksha Mandir, which provide “Sanskar-based education” to children. These schools, started in 1992, operate in homes or open spaces and have become a medium to teach Hindutva ideology. According to HSS workers, there are over 1,048 Ekal Vidyalayas and 35 Pashupati Shiksha Mandirs active in Nepal.

Historical Ties between Nepal and RSS

The relationship between Nepal and RSS dates back several decades. Prithvi Narayan Shah, the king of Nepal, had ideologies close to RSS. During King Mahendra’s reign, direct contact with RSS was observed. However, Nepal’s first Prime Minister, BP Koirala, was a staunch opponent of Hindutva politics.

Impact on Nepal’s Politics and Society

The BBC report highlights the impact of the growing influence of Hindutva ideology on Nepal’s politics and society. According to the report, communal tension cases have increased in areas like Madhes, with clashes and even curfews occurring during events like Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti. The report also notes that the aspiration of Nepali Hindus to reinstate the country as a Hindu Rashtra poses a significant threat to the country’s sovereignty and democratic structure. But the BBC report fails to detect the causes of Hindu retaliation against Christian conversion and radical Islamism growing ra[pidly in Nepal.

Expert Opinions

The report quotes experts who believe that the rise of Hindutva politics in Nepal is a direct result of India’s influence. Former Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali and many MPs believe that the growing influence of Hindutva ideology will disturb the social balance and challenge the independent identity of the country. But the opinions of the political parties like Rashtriya Prajatantra Party Nepal (RPPN), which are the genuine stakeholders for a Hindu Rashtra in Nepal, are not included in the report.

Conclusion

The BBC report presents a skewed narrative on the growing influence of Hindutva ideology in Nepal. As Nepal navigates its relationships with India and its own internal politics, it remains to be seen how the country will balance its cultural heritage with its commitment to secularism and democracy. While the report’s findings highlight the need for careful consideration and nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics at play in Nepal’s politics, they also undermine the people’s aspiration for a Hindu Rashtra. Ultimately, the march of Nepal towards a Hindu Rashtra cannot be restrained anyway.
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__Inputs from BBC News Hindi.