Understanding Sangh by looking at BJP is a ‘huge mistake’, says RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat

Bhagwat also alleged that a “false narrative” is being deliberately created against the Sangh

• RSS chief Bhagwat says RSS is not a paramilitary group despite its drills
• Bhagwat warns against understanding RSS through BJP or affiliated groups
• He claims a false narrative against RSS and urges reliance on credible sources.

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Addressing a gathering in Bhopal on Friday, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said the Sangh should not be viewed as a paramilitary organisation despite its uniform and physical drills. He also cautioned that understanding the RSS through the lens of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would be a serious mistake.

He added that the RSS works to unite society and instil values aimed at ensuring India is never again dominated by foreign powers.

"We wear a uniform, take out marches and do stick exercise. (But) If someone thinks it is a paramilitary organisation, it will be a mistake," he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. He also stated it would be difficult to understand the Sangh, which happens to be a unique organisation.

"If you want to understand the Sangh by looking at the BJP, it will be a huge mistake. The same (mistake) will happen if you try to understand it by looking at Vidya Bharti (an RSS-affiliated organisation)," Bhagwat said.

The RSS is widely regarded as the ideological parent of the Jana Sangh and its successor, the BJP. Bhagwat also alleged that a “false narrative” is being deliberately created against the Sangh.

"Nowadays, people do not go deep to gather the right information. They do not go to the origin. They go to Wikipedia. Everything is not true out there. Those who go to reliable sources will get to know about the Sangh," he said.

Because of these misconceptions, it became necessary to explain the RSS's role and mission, said Bhagwat, who toured the country during the Sangh's centenary year.

He was further quoted in the PTI report, saying, "The Sangh grooms Swayamsevaks and also inculcates values, thoughts and goals to work for Bharat's 'Param Vaibhav' (absolute glory). But the Sangh does not control those Swayamsevaks by remote. The Sangh is working through its branches to create a group of workers who will build a patriotic environment."

"There is a common feeling that the Sangh was born as a reaction or opposition (to the prevailing forces). This is not the case. The Sangh is not a reaction or opposition to anything. The Sangh is not competing with anyone as well," the RSS chief said.