Projecting a modern image of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), its chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said Islam will always have a place in India and asserted that the idea of Akhand Bharat is an immutable reality. He dismissed speculation about differences with the BJP, stressing that the Sangh and the party have their own roles.
In a two-and-a-half-hour question-answer session at the RSS centenary celebrations in Vigyan Bhawan, Bhagwat addressed a wide range of issues including Manusmriti, Artificial Intelligence (AI), tariffs, caste, education, patriotism, national language, partition, illegal immigration, and retirement age for politicians.
“I never said that I or someone else should retire at 75,” Bhagwat clarified, rejecting speculation that he had suggested Prime Minister Narendra Modi and he himself should step down when they turn 75 this September.
On Relations with BJP and Religious Movements
Bhagwat emphasised that the RSS and BJP function separately. “The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) knows how to run ‘shakhas’ and BJP knows how to run the government and they only give suggestions to each other,” he said, stressing that RSS does not decide BJP leadership. “It’s completely wrong,” he added, rejecting the perception that the Sangh decides everything for the BJP, including the party president.
On religious matters, he said, “Religion is an individual’s own choice. No one should be forcefully converted. We have to stop it.” Referring to Kashi and Mathura, he said that while Ayodhya was the only movement the RSS joined, volunteers could support other temple-related movements if requested. “Besides these three, I have said there is no need to search for a temple or Shivling everywhere,” he noted.
On Caste, Reservation, and Akhand Bharat
Bhagwat reiterated RSS support for Constitutionally-mandated reservations. “The caste system was there once, but has no relevance today. Caste is no longer a system; it is outdated, and it has to go,” he said, while calling for an exploitation-free and egalitarian order.
He also reaffirmed the Sangh’s opposition to Partition and support for Akhand Bharat. “Keeping Akhand Bharat in mind is not only a political matter because when Akhand Bharat existed, there were many rulers here, even then a ruler needed permission to enter or travel,” Bhagwat remarked.
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Addressing trade tensions with the United States over tariffs, Bhagwat said, “International trade was essential, but there can be no friendship under pressure. We don’t tell the government how to deal with Trump; they know what to do and we will support it.” He reiterated the RSS belief in swadeshi and self-reliance.
On Artificial Intelligence, Bhagwat said the RSS was studying its pros and cons before adoption. “I have been told AI can be used to write poetry, but… can it understand emotions?” he asked.
On Migration and Employment
Bhagwat identified illegal immigration and religious conversions as key reasons for demographic imbalance. “Every country has their own rules and regulations and limited resources. So, infiltration should be stopped and the government is making efforts to stop this… It is important to give employment to the citizens of our country,” he said. He added that jobs should go to “our own people including Muslims.”
