Pune: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Criticizes Re-Emergence of Temple-Mosque Disputes

Pune, 20th December 2024: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday raised concerns over the re-emergence of temple-mosque disputes, cautioning against attempts to exploit such issues for political or communal gains. Bhagwat made these remarks during a lecture titled “Bharat Vishwaguru” as part of the Sahjeevan Vyakhyamala event in Sahakarnagar, Pune.

Without naming specific individuals or places, Bhagwat said, “Some people believe that they will become leaders of Hindus by raising such issues. This cannot be accepted.” He criticized the trend of raising fresh disputes daily, particularly the demands for surveys of mosques to locate temples, which have reached the courts in recent times.

Emphasizing the importance of goodwill and unity, Bhagwat said, “India needs to show that we can live together. We have been living with goodwill for a long time. If we want to give this goodwill to the world, then we need to make a model of it.”

Highlighting India’s pluralistic traditions, Bhagwat pointed out that festivals like Christmas are celebrated in institutions such as the Ramakrishna Mission, adding, “Only we can do this because we are Hindus. The Ram temple was built because it was a matter of faith for all Hindus.”

Acharya Satyendra Das, chief priest of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple, echoed Bhagwat’s sentiments, stating, “The fight over temples and mosques is a communal issue. Some people exploit such fights to become leaders, but this is not right. Leadership born out of communal strife is harmful.”

Bhagwat further remarked that the nation now operates according to the Constitution, where people elect their representatives who govern the country. He criticized the remnants of colonial-era divides, saying, “Some groups that came from outside brought fanaticism with them and wanted their old rule to return, but that is no longer possible.”

He linked the Ayodhya Ram temple issue to the British era, saying, “The British sensed the importance of the Ram Mandir and created a rift between communities, which ultimately sowed the seeds of separatism and led to the creation of Pakistan.”

Addressing concerns about minorities, Bhagwat said, “In India, the situation of minorities is often discussed. But now everyone is watching what is happening with minorities in other countries.”

While Bhagwat did not specifically reference recent events, his remarks came amid the RSS’s growing concerns about violence against Hindus in neighboring Bangladesh following political upheaval after the removal of Sheikh Hasina’s government.