Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent comments about the ‘mandir-masjid’ issue have caused upset among seers.
The Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti (AKSS), an organisation of religious leaders, criticised Bhagwat’s statement on Monday. They said such religious matters should be decided by religious leaders, not the RSS.
Swami Jitendranand Saraswati, the general secretary of AKSS, emphasised that religious gurus should handle these issues. He added that whatever the religious leaders decide should be respected by the RSS and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).
Despite Bhagwat's previous statements on similar matters, Saraswati pointed out that 56 new sites have been identified for potential temple construction, showing continued interest in these sensitive issues. He also stated that religious organisations usually follow public sentiment rather than political agendas.
Prominent religious figures like Jagadguru Rambhadracharya believe the RSS should let spiritual leaders make decisions on religious matters. He made it clear, saying, “Mohan Bhagwat is not our disciplinarian, we are.”
What Did Mohan Bhagwat Say? On Thursday, Mohan Bhagwat addressed the crowd in Pune, delivering a lecture titled 'India-The Vishwaguru.' He said that some people, especially after the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, now think they can become "leaders of Hindus" by raising such issues.
Bhagwat called for an “inclusive society” and criticised the constant raking up of new disputes. “Every day a new matter (dispute) is being raised. How can this be allowed? This cannot continue. India needs to show that we can live together,” he said.
However, he did not specifically mention any temple or mosque in his speech.
There have been several court cases recently demanding surveys of mosques to uncover hidden temples, but Bhagwat did not name any of these cases. He noted that some outside groups want to restore old systems, but he affirmed that India now runs according to the Constitution, where people choose their leaders and governments.
Akhilesh Yadav Responds On Monday, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav responded to Bhagwat’s comments, suggesting that the RSS chief should direct his call for “harmony” to the BJP. Yadav pointed out that the BJP might halt controversial mosque surveys if Bhagwat spoke to them.
Speaking at an event to mark the birth anniversary of former prime minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, Yadav stated, “RSS’ ideology is the underground ideology of the BJP. It works by digging tunnels for the BJP. Bhagwat should at least explain this to the BJP. If he calls the chief minister (Yogi Adityanath), then the surveys and controversies will stop.”
Yadav added that the BJP uses such statements for political advantage. Regarding the discovery of an old temple during digging in Sambhal, he remarked, “One day they will dig up their own government as well.”
Also Read: Education system must ease learning, not hinder: Bhagwat
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