Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 29: In a wide-ranging interaction that lasted over two hours at Vigyan Bhawan on Thursday, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat sought to project a moderate and modern image of the organisation while strongly dismissing speculation of a rift with the ruling BJP.
Bhagwat addressed an array of questions from the audience, covering issues as diverse as Manusmriti, artificial intelligence, tariffs, caste, patriotism, education, freedom struggle, partition, and the age of retirement for politicians. He clarified that he had never suggested a retirement age of 75 for Prime Minister Narendra Modi or himself, calling such reports “completely baseless.”
Touching upon temple movements, Bhagwat underlined that the Ram Temple in Ayodhya was the only campaign the RSS took to its conclusion. “There is no need to search for a temple or Shivling everywhere. Kashi, Mathura and Ayodhya are significant to Hindus, and if devotees request, our volunteers can join their movements. But beyond these, the RSS will not initiate any such campaign,” he remarked.
The RSS chief also reiterated that Akhand Bharat was an immutable truth, not merely a political slogan. “It is a fact of life. Even in earlier times, there were many rulers, but the idea of one Bharat always existed,” he said.
On the ongoing trade tussle with the United States, Bhagwat said international cooperation was essential but could not come under pressure. “We support swadeshi and self-reliance. The government knows how to deal with Trump and we will stand by it,” he added.
Refuting claims that the RSS stayed away from the freedom struggle, Bhagwat said swayamsevaks had supported freedom fighters in multiple ways. He stressed that the Sangh had also opposed the partition of India but had limited influence at that time.
When asked about caste, Bhagwat was unequivocal in his stand. “The caste system is outdated and has no relevance today. It must go. However, as society evolves into an exploitation-free and egalitarian order, care must be taken that change does not harm social harmony,” he observed.
Bhagwat said the RSS fully supports reservation policies as mandated by the Constitution and will continue to do so as long as required.
Highlighting the importance of modernisation, he revealed that the Sangh is also studying the scope of Artificial Intelligence. “I am told AI can write poetry, but can it understand emotions? That remains to be seen,” he quipped.
On conversions and illegal migration, Bhagwat was clear. “Religion is a matter of individual choice. There should be no force or allurement in this matter. Infiltration must be stopped as every country has limited resources. Employment should go to our own citizens, including Muslims,” he said.
Dismissing perceptions that the RSS controls the BJP, Bhagwat said, “It is completely wrong. We only give suggestions; the party takes decisions. If we were deciding, would things take this long? The RSS does not interfere in BJP’s internal matters, including the selection of its president.”
Amid repeated speculation about differences between the two organisations, Bhagwat asserted firmly: “There are no rifts between the RSS and BJP governments at the Centre or in the states. We run shakhas; they run the government.”