The Opposition strongly criticised Bhagwat’s remarks, insisting that India is governed by its Constitution and not by ideological declarations.
NEW DELHI — The BJP on Monday backed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat’s assertion describing India as a “Hindu Rashtra” and his remarks flagging what he termed “Islamic extremism” in West Bengal, triggering sharp political reactions across party lines.
Addressing a gathering on Sunday, Bhagwat reiterated that India is a “Hindu nation” and argued that no constitutional sanction was required to establish it, calling the idea a “truth”. He also questioned suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir’s announcement to construct a Babri Masjid-like mosque in West Bengal, alleging that such moves were being made “for votes”. Bhagwat further maintained that government funds should not be used for constructing religious places.
Backing the remarks, BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo pointed to recent developments in Murshidabad over the mosque announcement. BJP MLA Ram Kadam also endorsed the RSS chief’s comments, stressing the need for Hindu unity.
Speaking to IANS, Kadam alleged that Hindus in West Bengal were facing persecution. “Our Sarsanghchalak’s statement is true and attempts to shed light on reality. On the sacred land of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee and her supporters have caused suffering, harassment and oppression to Hindus. They have forced their way into homes, committed misconduct against women and the people of Bengal are witnessing all of this,” he claimed. Kadam further alleged political motives behind references to Babri Masjid.
The Opposition, however, strongly criticised Bhagwat’s remarks, insisting that India is governed by its Constitution and not by ideological declarations.
Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad questioned the basis of the “Hindu Rashtra” assertion. “I would like to ask Mohan Bhagwat, very respectfully, what kind of Hindu nation he wants. Today, the highest constitutional and administrative positions in our country are held by Hindus — the President, the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice of India are all Hindus,” Prasad said.
He pointed out that political leadership across parties is predominantly Hindu. “Leaders of the ruling party are Hindus, and even Opposition leaders, including in the Samajwadi Party, are Hindus. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh is also a Hindu. So what is the scale to measure who is Hindu and what constitutes a Hindu Rashtra?” he asked.
Prasad added that Bhagwat must clarify whether his vision aligns with constitutional values. “Our country functions through the Constitution, through which Babasaheb Ambedkar ensured equal rights to all communities. Bhagwat should clarify whether he intends to follow the Constitution framed by Ambedkar in his so-called Hindu Rashtra,” he said.
Janata Unnayan Party founder Humayun Kabir also dismissed fears of unrest in West Bengal. “We respect Mohan Bhagwat, but his assessment that there might be riots here is incorrect. When a Trinamool leader announced the construction of a temple, there were no riots. So why would it happen now?” he said.
Kabir further alleged a tacit link between the RSS and the state government. “Mohan Bhagwat needs the state government’s permission to visit here. Since Mamata Banerjee has been helping the RSS in the state, the number of their shakhas has increased from 558 to 12,000. On the other hand, madrasas receive nothing, and the Muslim community does not get any benefits,” he claimed. — With inputs from IANS
