RSS Does Not Accept Articles 35-A, 370 of the Constitution: Mohan Bhagwat

RSS chief said conversion by illegal and unfair means was wrong.

Caravan News

NEW DELHI — At a time when dabate on Article 35-A is hot in the state dividing regional political parties on the issue, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said in New Delhi that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) does not accept Articles 35-A, 370 of the Constitution which give special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

He pitched for greater development of the state, saying it was essential to bring its people into the mainstream.

Mr Bhagwat said this while responding to a range of questions on the last day of the three-day outreach conclave in New Delhi on Wednesday.

On August 31, the Supreme Court deferred hearing the petitions against Article 35-A to January after the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir government argued that it could lead to a law and order situation in the state ahead of the coming panchayat and local body elections.

Speaking on a wide range of issues Bhagwat said inter-caste marriage was an issue of compatibility between a man and woman.

Sangh was not against inter-caste marriages, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat asserted. Such kind of marriages were most common among volunteers of the Hindutva outfit.

Responding to a question, Bhagwat said there is no anger against Hindutva and its acceptance is increasing across the world.

To a question on conversion Bhagwat said conversion by illegal and unfair means was wrong.

To a query on women safety and rising incidents of rape, he said we have to create an environment where women feel safe and secure. Men, he said, have to learn to respect women.

RSS chief in response to a question said the Sangh was not opposed to any language, including English, but it should be given its proper place, suggesting it cannot replace an Indian language.

“You should not be opposed to any language, including English, and it should not be removed,” Bhagwat said.

He also said,”We have no enmity with English. We need proficient English speakers.

He also said the LGBTQ community should not be isolated as they are part of society. But at the same time, gay rights is not the only pressing issue which should be debated.

Times are changing and society has to take a call on such issues, Bhagwat said.

(With inputs from PTI)