Caste exists for political purposes and selfish interests: Bhagwat

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday identified religious conversion, infiltration and a declining birth rate as the three main causes of what he described as a population imbalance in the country and advocated a three-child family for long-term social balance.

Speaking in Mumbai at the RSS lecture series “100 Years of Sangh Journey: New Horizons,” Bhagwat said that while having three children would help maintain demographic balance, it ultimately remained a matter of personal choice.

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During the interactive session, Bhagwat made a series of remarks on a range of issues, including caste, religion, population, demographics and the situation of Hindus in neighbouring Bangladesh.

He condemned the use of force, inducement or deception to convert people in order to increase the numbers of a particular sect, asserting that “ghar wapsi” was the appropriate path for those wishing to return to their original faith.

On caste, Bhagwat said it now exists largely for “selfish interests and political purposes” as its traditional occupational basis has eroded. Calling for sensitivity in addressing caste-based conflicts, he said politicians continue to seek votes in the name of caste because caste identities remain deeply entrenched in society.

Bhagwat also rejected the view that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh controls the Central government. The sarsanghchalak said the organisation does not engage in backseat driving and that governments are run by those in power.

He added that the Sangh relies on contributions from its workers rather than corporate funding, and that leadership positions within the organisation are open to individuals from all castes.

Reflecting on his own tenure, Bhagwat said that upon turning 75, he had expressed a desire to step down, but RSS workers insisted that he continue. “I am here; this is not my wish. If I am not here, that is also not my option; it is the option of the Sangh,” he was quoted as saying.

Referring to Hindus in Bangladesh, Bhagwat said unity would enable them to influence local politics. “There are about 1.25 crore Hindus in Bangladesh. If they decide to stay and fight, Hindus here and across the world will do everything we can for them. I can give you that guarantee,” he said.

Outlining the causes of population imbalance, Bhagwat said the first was religious conversion carried out through force, inducement or deception, which he described as condemnable, even as freedom of faith is guaranteed under the Constitution.

The second cause, he said, was infiltration, for which the government needed to take extensive measures.

Referring to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, Bhagwat said it helps identify non-citizens and remove them from electoral rolls. He added that RSS workers assist by identifying suspected infiltrators based on language and reporting them to authorities.

Bhagwat also stressed that Indian citizens, including Muslims, should be prioritised in employment, while calling for continued vigilance. “We do not want to take away anyone’s jobs, but our people should get jobs first,” he said.

The third cause, he said, was the declining birth rate. Warning that fertility rates below 2.3 pose risks to population stability, Bhagwat said India was nearing 2.1 and remained dependent on states such as Bihar.

Citing doctors and population scientists, he reiterated that three children per family would help ensure demographic balance, while emphasising that it should remain a personal choice.

Marriage, he said, was not merely a physical relationship but an institution meant to create families that together form society.