RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has criticised Hindu leaders for inciting “Ram-temple-like” disputes in various regions across India.
The RSS supremo emphasised that “only we can do this because we are Hindus” and pointed out that the Swami Ramakrishnan Mission observes Christmas, drawing attention to India’s diversity.
He asserted that India needs to serve as a model for unity and inclusion.
“We have been living in harmony for a long time. If we want to provide this harmony to the world, we need to create a model of it. After the construction of the Ram Mandir, some people think they can become leaders of Hindus by raking up similar issues in new places. This is not acceptable,” he said.
He denied any political agenda and said that the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya was carried out as an act of faith for all Hindus.
“Every day, a new matter (dispute) is being raked up. How is this permitted? This cannot continue. India must demonstrate our ability to coexist,” he said without mentioning any sites.
The RSS Chief said Indians should take note of past mistakes and strive to make their nation an international example while speaking in Pune as part of a lecture series on the “Vishwaguru Bharat” theme.
Although Bhagwat did not name any in his lecture, there have been a number of recent requests for surveys of mosques to find hidden temples submitted before the courts.
He said that certain outside forces had arrived with a strong intent to re-establish their former dominance.
“However, the nation presently operates in accordance with the Constitution. In this system, they elect the representatives who govern them. Authoritative days are over,” he said.
The RSS Chief cited two such instances from the Mughal Empire, stating that while Aurangzeb was known for his unwavering loyalty, his successor Bahadur Shah Zafar banned the slaughter of cows in 1857.
“It was decided that Ram Mandir in Ayodhya should be given to Hindus, but the British sensed it and created a rift between the two communities. Since then, this sense of ‘algavwad’ (separatism) came into being. As a result, Pakistan came into existence,” he claimed.
He also questioned the “language of dominance,” asking why it is used when everyone calls themselves Indian.
“Who are the majority and who are the minority? Here, everyone is on the same level. This country has a heritage of allowing everyone to practise their chosen religion. Living in harmony and abiding by the law are the only essentials,” he said.
Akhilesh Slams Bhagwat
Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav pointed to the deaths of five people in Sambhal when criticising Mohan Bhagwat’s comments about the temple-mosque dispute.
He stated, “They are now saying every temple should not be excavated after five people died in Sambhal and many others were humiliated.”
“At the very least, the BJP must drop the false allegations made in Sambhal. False cases can be withdrawn, but lives are not returnable,” he added.
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