Do Not View RSS Through a BJP Lens; It Is Not a Militaristic Organisation: Mohan Bhagwat

As someone who has consistently observed the ideological debates surrounding the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Mohan Bhagwat’s latest remarks stand out as a direct response to long-standing public perceptions and political interpretations. Speaking on Friday before a gathering of prominent citizens, the RSS president firmly stated that it would be a serious mistake to evaluate the Sangh through the prism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or label it as a militaristic or paramilitary organisation.

Addressing concerns often raised about the RSS’s uniforms, physical drills, and structured activities, Bhagwat clarified that these visible elements should not be misinterpreted. “We march, we perform stick exercises, and we wear uniforms,” he said, adding that the Sangh is a unique organisation that cannot be easily understood through superficial observation. “If someone believes it is a paramilitary organisation, that understanding would be incorrect,” he asserted.

Bhagwat emphasized that the core mission of the RSS is social unity and national character-building. According to him, the Sangh works to bring society together and instill the moral strength, discipline, and collective consciousness required to ensure that India never again falls under foreign domination.

In a pointed remark, the RSS chief cautioned against analysing the Sangh by drawing parallels with organisations linked to it. “It would be a grave mistake to try to understand the Sangh by examining the BJP,” Bhagwat said. “If one attempts to understand it by looking at Vidya Bharti or any other affiliated organisation, the same misunderstanding will occur.”

The statement is significant, as the RSS is widely regarded as the ideological parent of the BJP and its predecessor, the Jana Sangh. Bhagwat’s comments underline the Sangh’s insistence on maintaining its distinct identity, separate from electoral politics and governmental power.

Bhagwat also expressed concern over what he described as a “false narrative” being deliberately constructed around the RSS. He pointed out that in the age of instant information, people often fail to seek authentic sources. “These days, people don’t go to the source to understand anything. They go to Wikipedia. Out there, nothing is true,” he remarked. He added that those who rely on credible and primary sources would gain a clearer and more accurate picture of the Sangh.

Referring to his extensive travels across the country during the Sangh’s centenary year, Bhagwat said these misconceptions made it even more necessary to clearly explain the RSS’s purpose and role in society. According to him, there is a widespread but incorrect belief that the Sangh was formed as a reactionary force or in opposition to prevailing powers.

“This is not true,” Bhagwat said. “The Sangh is neither an opposition nor a response to anyone. It is not in competition with any organisation.” He stressed that the RSS was created to strengthen society from within, not to counter or replace any political or social institution.

Delving into historical reflections, Bhagwat argued that India’s repeated subjugation was not solely the result of British colonialism. “The British were not the first to conquer this country,” he said. “We were defeated multiple times by small groups of people who came from distant lands, who were not richer or more moral than US.”

According to him, the British were merely the eighth in a series of invasions. “They defeated us at home despite not knowing the country as well as we did,” he noted. This, Bhagwat argued, raises a deeper question about the real meaning of independence and the internal weaknesses that allowed repeated invasions.

“We need to understand who we are and rise above selfishness,” Bhagwat said. “If society unites with virtues and positive qualities, the destiny of this nation will change for the better.”

On organisational matters, Bhagwat stated that the RSS’s financial position is currently stable and that it does not depend on external donations or funding. He also briefly referred to the financial challenges faced by the Sangh over the past century, suggesting that self-reliance has been a long and difficult journey.

Concluding his address, Bhagwat invited skeptics and critics alike to witness the Sangh’s work firsthand. He encouraged people to visit a local RSS shakha (branch) to gain a genuine understanding of its functioning and values.

“I have shared my views about the Sangh. It is okay if you do not fully believe what I say,” he said. “The best way to understand the Sangh is to come and see it yourself. If I talk for two hours about how sweet sugar is, it will mean nothing. Take a teaspoon of sugar, and you will understand.”