Mohan Bhagwat says Manipur must have government: 'Destruction a matter of two minutes'

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat says RSS’s work stands apart from any other organisation

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on  said that Manipur must have a government and efforts are being made to install it.

Bhagwat, responding to a query, during an interaction programme in Imphal, said, "Government and parties, I don't indulge very much in that, but Manipur must have a government, and to my knowledge they are trying for it."

Bhagwat said, "Destruction is a matter of two minutes but construction takes two years... and constantly, during these trials and tribulations, constant efforts were not to let the people of Manipur asunder on different bases....we will definitely take everybody along. Without destroying anything, identity, etc, peace in material matters will come early, but internal peace will take some time. We know that."

Earlier, addressing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries in Imphal, Bhagwat stated that the "RSS continues to be a subject of daily discussion across the country, often shaped by perceptions and propaganda".

While stating that the Sangh's work is "unparalleled", he said, "there is no organisation comparable to the RSS, just as the sea, the sky, and the ocean have no comparison." He also commended Manipur's strong cultural traditions, including the wearing of traditional attire during special occasions and the use of native languages, and encouraged strengthening these further.

Bhagwat said the RSS’s work stands apart from any other organisation. “There is no organisation comparable to the RSS, just as the sea, the sky, and the ocean have no comparison. The growth of RSS is organic, and the methodology was resolved after 14 years of its foundation. To understand, one must visit Shakha. The objective of RSS is to organise the whole Hindu society, including those who oppose the Sangh, not creating a power centre within the society.”

He pointed out that misinformation about the RSS has existed since the early 1930s. He said these narratives often came from outside Bharat and from groups that did not understand the country or its civilisational character.

Bhagwat explained that the word “Hindu” in this context refers to a cultural and civilisational identity, not just a religious one. He said, “It (Hindu) is not a noun but an adjective.” For a strong nation, he stressed the need for both “quality and unity”, adding that the strength of a country depends not just on its leaders, but on a society that stands together.

Speaking about Bharat’s ancient roots, Bhagwat said the idea of the Rashtra came from the “tapasya” of ancient sages who worked for the good of humanity. He said principles such as Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam showed the universal outlook of Hindutva.

On the current situation in Manipur, Bhagwat stated that efforts are underway both at community and societal level to restore stability.

At least 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in clashes between Kuki-Zo communities and the Meiteis since May 2023 in Manipur.

Manipur is now under President’s Rule after N Biren Singh resigned as the chief minister in February.

The assembly was kept in suspended animation.

(With PTI inputs)