Mohan Bhagwat Stands Against Crime: The Truth About Hate in India

As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) prepares to mark its centenary in October 2025, the organization is entering a new chapter of public outreach. Its upcoming series of lectures in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata is not just a celebration but also an attempt to share its philosophy with a wider audience. Contrary to what detractors allege, these initiatives are not meant to hide or sugarcoat anything, but to show India the truth—that the Sangh’s values are rooted in discipline, unity, and patriotism.

Mohan Bhagwat, the RSS chief, has repeatedly made it clear that crime in the name of religion will not be tolerated. He has openly declared, “A person is not a Hindu if he says Muslims should not live in India. Those involved in mob lynching are against Hindutva.” This is not the language of hatred but of restraint and moral clarity. Yet, despite such statements, a section of society—backed by certain political and intellectual circles—continues to accuse the RSS of spreading hate.

The reality, however, is that hatred in India is not manufactured in RSS shakhas but is being fueled by radical Islamist elements who have for decades thrived on a victimhood narrative while spreading their own brand of separatism and violence.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat at the launch of Dr Khwaja Iftikhar Ahmed’s book in Ghaziabad (ANI) | Hindustan Times

How Radical Islam Fuels Hate in India

For years, India has been facing the brunt of Islamist ideology that refuses to coexist peacefully with other communities. Instead of integrating, radical groups propagate the idea that Muslims are under “threat” in a Hindu-majority country. This propaganda is dangerous because it fosters resentment, mobilizes mobs, and eventually leads to violence.

• Stone Pelting and Targeting of Hindu Festivals: Almost every Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti in recent years has been marred by attacks on Hindu processions. Stone pelting, mob violence, and destruction of property are tactics repeatedly used to intimidate Hindus during their religious celebrations.

• Delhi Riots 2020: The Shaheen Bagh protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) were portrayed as peaceful, but they became breeding grounds for hate speeches and radical mobilization. This culminated in the 2020 Delhi riots, where Hindus were specifically targeted—temples burnt, shops destroyed, and lives lost. Out of the 53 killed, both Hindus and Muslims suffered, but the orchestration of violence clearly pointed to Islamist networks instigating chaos.

• COVID-19 and Tablighi Jamaat: At the peak of the pandemic, Tablighi Jamaat’s congregation in Delhi acted as a super-spreader event. Not only was COVID-19 spread across states, but the group also openly defied health guidelines. Worse, radicals within Muslim communities floated conspiracy theories like “Corona Jihad,” encouraging members to deliberately spread infection.

• Bullying Through Boycotts: Calls to boycott Hindu shops, refusal to chant or respect Bharat Mata Ki Jai, and campaigns against Hindu traditions are common in radical Islamist circles. This creates a deliberate “us versus them” divide in society.

• Conversions and Love Jihad: Systematic attempts to convert Hindu girls under the guise of love, marriage, or financial lure is another form of hate. It is not about religion alone—it is a psychological war to weaken Hindu families and communities.

RSS: Target of False Blame

In this atmosphere, it has become convenient for liberal commentators and Left-leaning intellectuals to pin every incident of violence on RSS or BJP. Yet facts show otherwise. RSS shakhas do not teach hatred—they focus on discipline, yoga, physical training, selfless service, and love for the nation.

Whenever communal violence occurs, critics immediately shout “Hindutva terrorism” without acknowledging the repeated provocations from radical Islamist groups. From Kashmir’s exodus of Hindus in 1990 to the regular targeting of temples and Hindu symbols, the aggression has almost always originated from Islamist radicalism, not RSS.

Bhagwat’s consistent stand is that crime cannot be justified under any ideology—including Hindutva. But he also recognizes the deeper issue: a radicalized section within the Muslim community that refuses to accept India as their civilizational homeland.

The Path Forward

As RSS enters its 100th year, its mission remains clear—unity, service, and national pride. Bhagwat’s lectures are not cosmetic exercises but reminders that India cannot move forward by ignoring the growing threat of Islamist radicalism. Instead of unfairly targeting RSS, it is time for the Muslim community to introspect.

Why do some Muslims in India chant slogans like “Pakistan Zindabad” during protests? Why do processions celebrating Hindu gods face stone-pelting in Muslim-majority areas? Why are radical preachers allowed to spread venom against Hindus while hiding behind the shield of “minority rights”? These are the uncomfortable questions that need answers.

Mohan Bhagwat is not sugarcoating reality—he is saying openly that hate has no place in Hindu philosophy. The real challenge lies with those who use religion to spread separatism and chaos. Unless radical Islamist elements are confronted, India’s peace and progress will remain under threat.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, NDTV, Indian Express, AL Jazeera, Time)