RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Clarifies Organization's Political Stance and Policies

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat was speaking at an event in Bengaluru

New Delhi:

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) supports policies rather than individuals or political parties, according to its chief Mohan Bhagwat. He stated that RSS workers would have even supported the Congress if it had backed the demand for a Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

"We do not support any political party. We do not engage in electoral politics. Sangh works to unify society, while politics tends to divide. We support policies. For instance, we desired a Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, so our swayamsevaks voted for those who stood by its construction," he explained, noting that the BJP met this criterion. "If Congress had supported it, our swayamsevaks would have voted for that party," Bhagwat remarked.

"We don't have a particular preference for any single party. There is no Sangh party; no party belongs to us exclusively. Yet all parties are ours because they are Bharatiya parties. We support rashtraneeti (national policies), not rajniti (politics). We have our perspectives, and we want this country to progress in a specific direction. Those who guide the country in that direction will receive our support," he stated at an event in Bengaluru commemorating the RSS centenary.

When questioned if Muslims are permitted to join RSS, Bhagwat responded, "No Brahmin is allowed in Sangh, no one from any caste is allowed, no Muslim is allowed, no Christian is allowed... People from various denominations, Muslims or Christians, can come to Sangh, leaving their separateness behind. When you attend Shakha, you come as a son of Bharat Mata. Muslims and Christians do attend shakha, but we don't count them, we don't inquire about their identity."

Bhagwat also addressed a question frequently raised by Congress leaders: why isn't the RSS a registered organization? "This question has been answered countless times, yet those who wish to raise concerns continue repeating it. Sangh was established in 1925. Would you expect us to register with the British government? After Independence, the laws do not make registration mandatory. Legal status is also granted to a 'body of individuals'. We are classified as a body of individuals and are a recognized organization," he explained.

"We were banned three times, so the government has acknowledged our existence. If we didn't exist, what did they ban? Each time, courts dismissed the ban. Questions are often asked, statements made in the Assembly and Parliament, both supporting and opposing RSS. Legally and factually, we are an organization. We are not unconstitutional... so registration is unnecessary. Many entities remain unregistered. Even Hindu Dharma is not registered," he stated. Bhagwat added that the RSS "grows stronger whenever faced with opposition".

The RSS chief's comments follow verbal attacks by Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge. Last month, Kharge expressed his personal opinion that RSS should be banned. Several Congress leaders, including Kharge's son and Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge, have recently criticized the RSS.

Bhagwat was also questioned about the Sangh's position on the national flag, as Congress often alleges it has not accepted the Tricolour. He explained that the Sangh adopted its saffron flag in 1925, while the national flag was decided in 1933. "The flag committee had unanimously recommended a traditional bhagwa (saffron) flag. However, Gandhiji intervened and, for certain reasons, advocated for three colors with saffron at the top. Since its inception, Sangh has always respected, honored, and protected the Tricolour," he stated, emphasizing there is no conflict between Bhagwa and the Tricolour. "The Communist Party has a red flag. The Congress Party has a Tricolour with charkha. The Republican Party has a blue flag. Similarly, we have our Bhagwa and we respect our national flag."