Mohan Bhagwat says wrong to view RSS through BJP prism: 'Big mistake'

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. (File: PTI)

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said it would be a "big mistake" to interpret the Sangh solely through the lens of its long-perceived political affiliate, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and emphasised that the organisation's goals and identity extend beyond electoral politics.

Bhagwat made the remarks during an event in Kolkata marking the centenary celebrations of the RSS where he underscored the need for a broader understanding of the organisation's mission and work.

Addressing the gathering, Bhagwat cautioned against reducing the RSS to a political appendage of the BJP, saying that while some members may participate in political activity, the Sangh itself does not pursue a political agenda.

"Many people have a tendency to understand the 'Sangh' through the lens of the BJP. That is a big mistake," he said, urging people to form views based on facts rather than secondary narratives or political comparisons.

Bhagwat stressed that the core objective of the RSS is the organisation of society with an emphasis on moral and cultural unity, not opposition to any community or ideology. In his remarks, he highlighted that the Sangh works toward uniting Hindu society while maintaining inclusiveness and respect for all sections of the population.

The RSS chief also spoke against simplistic comparisons that equate the Sangh with a service organisation or political party, saying such views lead to misunderstandings about its century-long role in social and cultural mobilisation.

Bhagwat noted that swayamsevaks are involved in varied fields, including in politics and social service but the organisation's foundational mission is distinct from electoral politics.

His remarks come amid ongoing debate over the nature of relations between the RSS and the BJP. While the Sangh is widely regarded as the ideological fountainhead of the BJP, Bhagwat's statement sought to clarify that the Sangh's objectives and activities cannot be reduced to partisan politics, but stem from a broader vision of cultural and societal engagement.

"We have to organise society and not create any separate organisation within society," he said, stressing on the need for unity in 'Hindu society'.

"Hindu is not a name but an attribute and denotes a nature. Those who respect their motherland are Hindus. They could have different languages, rituals, attire or eating habits."

The RSS sarsanghchalak further said that Muslims should understand that they may differ in terms of worship, but they are part of the unified entity in terms of "nation, culture and society".

Bhagwat also took strong exception to the proposed construction of a Babri Masjid and termed it a political conspiracy. "It is neither in favour of Muslims nor Hindus. It is happening for votes," he said, adding that the government should not get into construction of temples or mosques.