‘Close relationship’ with Modi, Shah but RSS has no political agenda: Bhagwat

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat made several observations, including on the Sangh’s relationship with its political arm, the BJP, and its top leadership, and on “Hindustan being a Hindu nation”, even though the “Preamble of the Constitution doesn’t directly mention the word ‘Hindu,’” while speaking in Kolkata on Sunday.

The sarsanghchalak termed it a “huge mistake” to interpret the RSS through the lens of its perceived political arm, and said the Sangh always maintains a connection with RSS volunteers such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. “We have always maintained a distance from the BJP leadership, and this has been the case since the Jan Sangh era. We have always maintained a connection with RSS volunteers. Narendra Bhai (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) and Amit Bhai (Home Minister Amit Shah) are our RSS volunteers, and we have a close relationship with them. A few days ago, Amit Bhai sat next to me in the Andamans. This distance and proximity are not a problem,” he said, speaking at the event to mark the centenary celebrations of the Sangh.

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Emphasizing the need for a broader understanding of the mission and work of the RSS, he said some members may participate in political activity, but the Sangh 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.

While commenting on the situation of Hindus in Bangladesh, Bhagwat also spoke about a lack of cohesiveness within the community, calling it its “biggest shortcoming” and India a “Hindu nation”. “When will the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh end? Hindu minorities in Bangladesh will have to remain united. Hindus around the world will have to help them within their own limits. We are doing the same,” he said.

A lack of connection, Bhagwat said, is the “biggest shortcoming” of Hindu society. “The biggest shortcoming of Hindu society is that it is not as connected as it should be, even though Hindu society possesses everything — intellect, knowledge, valour, and so on,” he also said.

“The Preamble of the Constitution briefly describes Hindutva. It doesn’t directly mention the word ‘Hindu,’ but all religions have freedom, justice, and independence. Dr Ambedkar said that he didn’t take all this from foreign countries; he took it from the Buddha. He stated in his speech that brotherhood is religion. A Constitution based on religion is the hallmark of a Hindu nation. Although the word ‘Hindu’ wasn’t used, everyone in the Constituent Assembly was inherently one. Now, does the fact that the sun rises in the east require constitutional approval? Hindustan is a Hindu nation. This is true,” according to the RSS chief.