Once brought into the movement, RSS cadres are indoctrinated with the belief that Hindus alone constitute the Indian nation since they are its original inhabitants and the sole creators of its society and culture. Recruits are told that although Hinduism is superior to any other faith, Hindus as a race have suffered because they are too liberal and peaceful. The RSS says only a militant and powerful Hindu movement can counter threats from outsiders. Its dedicated network of cadres helped the party grow from just two seats in the 545 member Parliament, the first time it contested an election in 1984, to 162 seats after the 1996 vote. After 70 years of patiently watching from the sidelines, their ultimate goal of an India that reflects the heavenly kingdom of Ram appears closer than ever before.
Workers examine ballots in New Delhi.
An estimated 300 million voters took part in the poll to fill the 543 contested seats in India's lower house of Parliament. The prospect of a BJP-led government has sent tremors throughout the region and beyond. The United States has already warned it would impose sanctions if India declares itself a nuclear power. Meanwhile neighboring Pakistan has expressed alarm at the BJP's pledge to take back parts of the disputed state of Kashmir. But it is India's Muslim minority, which makes up around 12 percent of the population, and its even smaller Christian community, that is feeling most threatened by the BJP and its radical right wing.