Sangh will not participate in movements for Mathura & Kashi, but it won’t stop Swayamsewaks, says Mohan Bhagwat

Sangh will not participate in any temple movements, be it of Mathura or Kashi, said Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday (August 28, 2025). He also clarified that the organisation will not stop swayamsewaks (RSS volunteers), if they want to join the ‘temple cause’.

“I must clarify that the Sangh actively participated in the Ram Mandir movement and took it to crescendo but now, it will not directly participate in any further movements related to temples. ...but the sentiments of Hindu society regarding Mathura and Kashi must be respected as in the minds of the community, Kashi, Mathura, and Ayodhya have deep significance—two are birthplaces, one is a place of residence. It is natural for Hindu society to express that urge.” said Mr. Bhagwat.

Speaking at a lecture series organised as part of RSS’s centenary year celebrations in New Delhi, Mr. Bhagwat also suggested if the ‘other side’ (Muslims) can give away its claim on the Mathura’s Shahi Eidgah and Varanasi based Gyanvapi mosque and hand over the same to Hindus, as its a matter of ‘just three temples’.

“....there can be a little effort from the other side also...as its just the matter of three, take it. This will be a big step towards brotherhood,” he said adding that Sangh will not stop Swayamsewaks to join any movement, in personal capacity.

Speaking on an issue whether government can take over temples, RSS chief said that the sole aim should be to maintain the temples, whoever does it right, should be given the rights.

“The national psyche is ready for temples to be handed back to devotees, but proper systems must also be in place. When temples are returned, arrangements for rituals, finances, and devotees must be prepared from the local to the national level, so that if the courts give a decision, we are ready,” he added.

Retirement at 75

On the question of retirement age for those holding constitutional posts, Mr Bhagwat said that there is no concept of retirement in Sangh and he never said that he or anyone should retire at any certain age.

“I have never said that I will retire at a certain age, nor should anyone else. In the Sangh, we are all Swayamsevaks. Even if I am 80, if I am given the duty of conducting a shakha, I must do it. We do whatever work the Sangh assigns us. The question of retirement simply does not arise,” he said putting rest to a controversy that erupted after his recent remarks in which he had said that a person should step aside at 75.

The opposition parties took a dig on the statement claiming it to be a hint for Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is turning 75 next month. Even Mr Bhagwat is turning 75 in September.

Maintaining that even he is dispensable, Mr Bhagwat added, “You think that only i can be Sarsanghchalak. No. There are ten others who can shoulder this responsibility. We are always ready to step down whenever needed, and to work as long as the Sangh desires.”

Ties between RSS and BJP 

Speaking on RSS’s differences with ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and if the organisation has any say in party’s functioning, like choosing its president, Mr Bhagwat denied that Sangh dictates any of its affiliates as they all have their own expertise.

“Humare Matbhed ho sakte hain...man bhed nahi hain (we may have differences of opinion but not differences in minds),” he said.

He added, “Those who say that Sangh dictates its affiliates, they are wrong. I have been running a shakha for 50 years now and if anyone dictates me how to run it, i may mind as this is my expertise. Similarly, when it comes to running the State, they have expertise in it. Yes we give them suggestions but we cannot force anything on them.”

“If we were deciding, would it have taken so long?”, he said after a pause which left the audience giggling.

Stating that struggles will always be there in the path of development as it involves many people and organisations. He added that its very rare for everyone to be on the same page on different issues but all the Sangh affiliates try to come on a consensus for the good of nation

“Sometimes, when consensus cannot be achieved, we just let them do their own experiments. This is how Sangh works,” he said.

“Even if we (Sangh and its affiliates including BJP) walk separately, we know that our destination is same that is development of the nation,” he added.

Demographic, Conversion and three children

Mr Bhagwat cautioned people against demographic shifts and claimed conversion and illegal migration as key reason for the same.

“Demographic changes can have serious consequences, even leading to partition of a country.I’m not only talking about India—this happened in Timor, Indonesia as well. All countries face concerns over demographic imbalance.... i am not saying that concern is just in numbers but what is the intent behind those numbers is the fear,” said Mr Bhagwat.

He added that both Catholic Christians and Muslim religious leaders told him that conversion is not part of their culture and religion.

“Religion must be one’s own choice. Conversions must not happen through coercion or force—if they do, they must be stopped,” he said.

Speaking on RSS’s views on Infiltration and that if the DNA of all in Akhand Bharat is same, then why to remove Bangladeshi migrants from India, Sangh chief said that it is true that DNA of all in greater India is same then why cant they come following the due process and permissions.

“Even in Europe, there are 3–4 countries with the same ancestry, yet each country has its own system and borders. We must not forget that even we have Muslims in our country. We should give jobs to them and then to someone else. Population can be both asset and burden, hence firts we must take care of our own people and then for others,” he added.

On foreign funds being used for conversion, Mr. Bhagwat stressed the need for strict checks. “If money comes from abroad for service, that is fine, but it must be used for that purpose only. The problem arises when this money is diverted towards conversions. Strict scrutiny and management of such funds is the government’s responsibility.”

Speaking further on population imbalance, Mr. Bhagwat emphasised the need for balance in birth rates and urged all Indians to at least produce three children.

“In the national interest, every family should have three children and limit themselves to that. Population should remain controlled, yet sufficient. For this, the new generation must be prepared.” He noted that birth rates among all religions are declining. 

Caste system, reservation and Manusmriti

Using the stage to spread the message to shun caste system, Mr Bhagwat stressed that the caste system has become irrelevant and outdated in today’s times and must be shun.

“The caste system existed once upon a time. It must be a need at that time....now it hold no relevance and hence should be shunned. There is a need for evaluation of an exploitation-free and egalitarian system. While the outdated system goes, it should be seen that it does not have a destructive effect on society,” he said advising people to not to brag about being from superior caste or treat badly to those from downtrodden society.

Responding to a question if RSS supports reservation, he claimed that the topic is very sensitive and must be dealt the same way.

“Reservation is not a matter of argument, but of sensitivity. If injustice has been done, it must be corrected. I will say, if you want to have an opinion on any issues, first experience it. Put yourself in it. This will make you more sensitive,” he said adding that Sangh always supported constitutionally valid reservation and will continue to do so.

“As long as the beneficiaries feel the need, the Sangh will stand with them,” he added.

Responding to a question if he agrees with caste system, as described in Vedas and Manusmriti (a hindu religious book), Mr. Bhagwat said that religious leaders, in 1972, had clearly stated that untouchability and caste-based discrimination have no place in Hindu Dharma. He added that if references to caste discrimination are found somewhere, they must be understood as misinterpretations.

“We have two standards of conduct—one is scripture, the other is ‘lok’ (the people)..There is no historical evidence that Indian society ran on Manusmriti. Different people used different religious books on different occasions. What the people accept, becomes practice. And the people of India oppose caste discrimination. The Sangh also inspires leaders of all communities to come together, and together they should care for themselves and for the whole society.”

He further said that religious and social programmes should enhance quality and values among people, and the Sangh works in this direction.

“Nai smriti ki avashyakta hai....ispar humare dharmnacharya vichar karein,” (we need more books that teaches way of life and our religious leaders must think about it,” he added.

Languages and Education

Listing the importance of Indian languages, Mr. Bhagwat stressed that there is no harm in learning English or any other foreign language, but the problem arises when people start neglecting their mother tongue.

“I am not saying you dont read Oliver Twist but dont forget Premchand too,” he said.

Outlining the importance of Indian languages, RSS chief said that all the regional languages are important and people must learn their mother tongue. ...but for for mutual communication, we need one common language. People from all states can sit together and decide which language it could be but it should not be any foreign language,” he said.

Stating that its high time that India should go back to its roots of ‘Gurukul education’ , Mr. Bhagwat said that education is not just schooling or information but its purpose is to cultivate values and to make a person truly human.

“Technology and modernity are not opposed to education....i am saying that culture and values should be taught in schools. Our religions may differ, but as a society we are one. Good values and manners are universal. India’s literary tradition is very rich. It must certainly be taught, whether in missionary schools or madrasas,” he said.

He also pointed our that Finland is opting Indian gurukul system and it has one of the best education system in the world.

“Our education system was lost long ago....what we were being taught was the lesson that invaders were trying to teach us. They wanted to rule this country and not develop it. So they made all the systems keeping in mind how we can rule this country... But now we are free. So we don’t just have to run the state, we have to run the people,” he said.

Praising the new education policy, RSS chief said that he is hoping that positive changes in education system will be visible soon.

He also discredited the need of education to earn livelihood and maintained that education is for soul while livelihood is all about skills.

“The government can provide at most 30% of employment opportunities; the rest must be earned through our own labour. Our children must be taught and raised in a way that they develop skills to to become job-givers and not job-seekers. The illusion that livelihood means a job must end. Considering some work as lowly has harmed society. Dignity of Labour must be established. Youth have the strength to build their families, and from this strength, Bharat can provide a workforce to the world,” he added.

Food and religion

Touching a wide range of topics while answering over 200 questions at the event, Mr. Bhagwat also shed light on his views on food being linked to religion. He also cleared the air on why he supports some BJP states banning meat during some Hindu festivals.

“During festivals and fasts, for just a few days, it is wise to avoid anything that may hurt sentiments,” said Mr Bhagwat.

He also cautioned those who creates issues related to food choices and said, “What someone eats should not be a cause of offense. The need is for both sides to respect each other’s feelings; then there will be no need for the law to intervene.”

“Laws are made when this mutual respect is not there. Laws are made to maintain law and order,” said Mr Bhagwat while sharing his views on BJP ruled states banning sale of non-veg during certain Hindu festivals like Navratri or Kanwar Yatra.

Speaking on brotherhood between communities, RSS chief emphasised that it is a misconception to believe that the Sangh is opposed to anyone. He added that the idea that Islam wont remain is, against Hindu thinking.

“Our ancestors and sanskriti are the same. Worship practices may differ, but our identity is one. Changing religion does not change one’s community. Mutual trust must be built on all sides. Muslims must overcome the fear that joining hands with others will erase their Islam,” he said.

Commenting on changing the names of roads and places with Muslim names, Mr. Bhagwat stressed that places or roads must not be named on invaders.

“I am not saying that places cannot be in the names of Muslims, but rather in the name of true heroes who inspire us such as Abdul Hamid, Ashfaqullah Khan and APJ Abdul Kalam,” he said.

Mr. Bhagwat firmly stood with his organisation when a question was asked about violence created by RSS volunteers.

“If the Sangh were a violent organisation, we would not have reached 75 thousand places. There is not a single example of a Sangh Swayamsevak being involved in violence. On the contrary, one should look at the service work of the Sangh, which Swayamsevaks carry out without any discrimination,” he said.

Women and family man in RSS

Speaking on women’s role in RSS, Mr Bhagwat said that Sangh has active female participation.

“In 1936, the Rashtra Sevika Samiti was formed, which runs women’s shakhas. This tradition continues even today. Many organisations inspired by the Sangh are led by women. For us, women and men are complementary,” he said.

On a question if married men can get to top positions in the organisations, RSS chief cited the example of Bhaiyyaji Dani who served for a long time as Sarkaryavah (general secretary) even after being married.

He clarified that the Sangh currently has 5–7 lakh active Swayamsevaks and about 3,500 full-time Pracharaks. At the top level, one must devote full time to the Sangh, he said.