Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday reiterated that India is a “Hindu nation,” asserting that no constitutional approval is required to establish what he described as a fundamental truth. He made the remarks while addressing an event marking 100 years of the RSS in Kolkata, according to an ANI report.
Speaking at the ‘100 Vyakhyan Mala’ program, Bhagwat said India is and will remain a Hindu nation as long as Indian culture continues to be appreciated in the country. Drawing an analogy, he said, “The Sun rises in the east; we don’t know since when this has been happening. So, do we need constitutional approval for that, too? Hindustan is a Hindu nation.” He added that anyone who considers India their motherland and respects Indian culture is part of this identity. “As long as there is even one person alive on the land of Hindustan who believes in and cherishes the glory of Indian ancestors, India is a Hindu nation. This is the ideology of the Sangh,” he said.
Bhagwat further stated that any future decision by Parliament to amend the Constitution to include such terminology would not affect the RSS position. “If Parliament ever decides to amend the Constitution and add that word, whether they do it or not, it’s fine. We don’t care about that word because we are Hindus, and our nation is a Hindu nation. That is the truth. The caste system based on birth is not the hallmark of Hindutva,” he said.
The RSS has consistently argued that India is a Hindu nation based on cultural traditions and the majority population’s religious affiliations. The ANI report noted that the words “socialist” and “secular” were added to the Preamble of the Constitution through the 42nd Amendment in 1976 during the Emergency.
Bhagwat also addressed perceptions of the organization, urging people to visit RSS offices and shakhas to understand its work. Rejecting the label of being anti-Muslim, he said, “If there is a perception that we are anti-Muslim, then, as I said, the RSS work is transparent. You can come anytime and see for yourself.” He added that those willing to observe and understand would find that the organization is nationalist in outlook and focused on the protection of Hindus, but not opposed to Muslims.
(With ANI inputs)
