RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat urges unity, expresses concern over escalating temple-mosque disputes

RSS criticizes those using temple-mosque disputes for political gain

Amid rising calls within Hindu society to reclaim temples lost to Islamic invaders, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat has voiced strong opposition to reopening new temple-mosque disputes. Speaking at the ‘India—The Vishwaguru’ event in Pune on December 19, 2024, Bhagwat emphasized that the focus should remain on unity and harmony rather than reigniting old conflicts.

Bhagwat stated, “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.” He pointed out that since the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, certain individuals have tried to present themselves as leaders of Hindus by stoking fresh temple-mosque disputes. “After the construction of Ram Mandir, some people think they can become leaders of Hindus by raking up similar issues in new places. This is not acceptable,” Bhagwat quoted.

Pune, Maharashtra: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat says, “Coming to the question of devotion. There should be a Ram Temple and it indeed happened. That is a site for the devotion of Hindus…But raking up new issues every day for disdain and enmity should not be done. What is the… pic.twitter.com/RCFDNv7vaT

— ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2024

According to Bhagwat, the continuous dredging up of new issues creates division and enmity. “Every day, a new matter (dispute) is being raked up. How can this be allowed? This cannot continue,” he said. He further stressed that India should set an example for the world by showcasing its ability to live together in harmony. “India needs to show that we can live together,” he added, calling for restraint from those who instigate fresh disputes.

Regarding religious devotion, Bhagwat acknowledged the importance of the Ram Mandir as a site of worship for Hindus but emphasized that generating enmity over unresolved issues should not be the priority. “What is the solution here? We should show the world that we can live in harmony,” he remarked. He explained that India’s diverse ideologies and communities should be embraced as part of the nation’s core identity.

Bhagwat also addressed the historical context of religious tensions, referencing leaders from India’s past. He pointed to figures like Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, who represented staunchness, contrasting them with leaders like Bahadur Shah Zafar, who made significant reforms such as banning cow slaughter in 1857. Bhagwat explained that the British, during colonial times, exploited religious rifts to divide communities and sow seeds of separatism, leading to the eventual formation of Pakistan.

Earlier in the year, Bhagwat had also made headlines for saying that Hindus should not be preoccupied with searching for Shivlings beneath every mosque. This statement was later clarified by RSS leader Indresh Kumar, who emphasized that Bhagwat’s comments were aimed at encouraging Muslims and people of other religions to come forward and hand over disputed religious sites to Hindus. Kumar said, “The truth is in front of everyone. Everyone should accept that truth.”

Bhagwat’s remarks come at a time when there has been significant discourse around the reclamation of religious sites and temple-mosque disputes. While Bhagwat’s vision calls for unity and coexistence, the broader Hindu community remains divided on how to address the reclaiming of temples and religious identity in modern India. His comments reinforce the RSS’s stance on promoting peace and collective development without opening old wounds.

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