RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Defends Hindu-Muslim Unity in New York

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat stated during the One World, One Humanity faith leaders’ conference in New York that any Hindu who believes Muslims should have no place in India ceases to be a Hindu. Bhagwat asserted that Hindutva recognizes the dignity of every human being and accepts diverse paths to the same truth, arguing that there is no difference between human beings.

The Bharatiya Janata Party and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the remarks. Fadnavis described tolerance as the soul of Hindutva, while BJP spokesperson RP Singh argued that being Hindu is an inclusive way of life.

Opposition leaders responded with skepticism. Asaduddin Owaisi, President of the AIMIM, dismissed the comments as a deceptive public image, citing the writings of RSS founders to claim the organization views minorities as internal threats. Other critics, including Congress leader Rashid Alvi and CPI General Secretary D Raja, questioned why Bhagwat made these statements in the United States rather than in India. Additionally, DMK spokesperson T. K. S. Elangovan accused the RSS and BJP of disregarding constitutional guarantees of equality and religious freedom.