In a wide-ranging address in Bengaluru, marking nearly a century of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s existence, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat responded forcefully to recent political criticism and clarified the organisation’s stand on religion, national identity, and its legal status.
Speaking during an in-house interactive session titled ‘100 Years of Sangh Journey: New Horizons’, Bhagwat took on questions about the RSS’s registration, funding, political role, and inclusivity, offering a detailed defence of the Sangh’s philosophy and operations.
RSS Open to All Faiths, But Under Common Civilizational Identity
Addressing a query that frequently resurfaces in political debates — whether Muslims and Christians can join the RSS — Bhagwat said the organisation is open to every citizen of India as long as they come as “sons of Bharat Mata” with a shared civilizational identity.
“No Brahmin is allowed in the Sangh, no other caste is allowed, no Muslim or Christian is allowed — only Hindus are allowed,” he said initially, before explaining the Sangh’s broader definition of ‘Hindu’ as a cultural and civilizational identity, not a strictly religious one.
He clarified that Muslims and Christians do attend shakhas, and the organisation never asks for their religion, caste, or background.
“People from every faith come — Muslims, Christians, all castes from what is commonly called Hindu society.
But inside the Sangh, we see only sons of Bharat Mata. Separate identities and sectarian labels stay outside.”
Bhagwat emphasised that anyone who shares a commitment to India’s civilizational roots, heritage, and national unity belongs within what the Sangh calls the Hindu society, irrespective of religious practice.
“Your speciality is welcome, but separateness is not,” he said.
Hits Back at Congress, Says RSS is Legally Recognised
The remarks came amid sharp political criticism from Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge, who demanded restrictions on RSS activities and raised questions about its registration and funding.
Bhagwat countered firmly, noting that the RSS predates the legal frameworks of independent India.
“RSS was established in 1925. Do you expect us to have registered with the British government?” he asked pointedly.
He explained that after independence, registration was not mandatory and the government recognised informal organisations.
“We are categorised as a body of individuals, a legally recognised entity. Both the courts and the Income Tax department have acknowledged this. We are exempt under the law.”
Taking a swipe at the Congress, he said:
“We were banned three times. If the RSS did not exist legally, whom did they ban?”
Tricolour Above All; Saffron Sacred but Secondary
Addressing allegations from critics that the RSS only respects the saffron flag, Bhagwat called such concerns misplaced.
“We always respect, salute, and protect the Tiranga,” he asserted.
He explained that saffron is revered within the organisation as a spiritual symbol — a ‘Guru’ — but the national flag remains supreme.
He even referred to early discussions during the freedom movement, recalling that saffron was initially proposed as the national flag colour in 1933, but Mahatma Gandhi suggested the tricolour format.
“From that day to today, we honour the Tricolour fully.”
RSS and Politics: Support for Policy, Not Parties
Bhagwat again drew a clear line between the Sangh and electoral politics.
“RSS does not participate in election politics, vote politics, or day-to-day political battles,” he said.
“Our mission is national unity. Politics divides by nature, so our role is to strengthen social harmony.”
He acknowledged that the Sangh may support certain policies when it believes they serve national interest, but reiterated the organisation’s independence from political structures.
Pakistan Will ‘Learn a Lesson’ if Hostility Continues
Turning to India’s external security environment, Bhagwat accused Pakistan of deliberately trying to harm India and blocking peace efforts.
“As long as Pakistan derives satisfaction from hurting Bharat, it will continue doing so,” he said, adding that lasting peace requires Pakistan to abandon hostility.
Invoking historical precedent, he warned that persistent aggression would eventually lead to consequences, noting how Pakistan faced a dramatic setback in the 1971 war, resulting in the creation of Bangladesh.
“If they continue on this path, they will again learn a lesson.”
Caste Debate and Social Harmony
On domestic social issues, Bhagwat asserted that caste divisions in India no longer operate the way they once did, though political interests keep caste sentiments alive.
“Caste is finished, but caste confusion remains,” he said, blaming electoral incentives, concessions, and political mobilisation for keeping caste identities active.
“We don’t need to eradicate caste — we need to forget caste,” he remarked, stressing social unity over identity labels.
‘Love Jihad’ Discourse and Family Values
On the topic commonly referred to as “love jihad”, Bhagwat urged society to avoid paranoia and instead reinforce cultural grounding within homes.
“Our focus should be on strengthening Hindu samskara (values) at home. Strengthen your family, your culture — don’t obsess over what others do.”
RSS at 100: Message of National Culture and Unity
Bhagwat’s remarks, delivered in the context of 100 years of RSS activity, painted the organisation as a custodian of India’s civilizational culture and unity — a movement that sees itself beyond electoral politics, representing a deep cultural identity rooted in the idea of Bharat as a motherland and spiritual homeland.
His speech served as a rebuttal to political critics, a reaffirmation of the Sangh’s inclusive civilizational nationalism, and a reminder of its influence — not just in politics, but in India’s broader social and cultural debates.
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