Opposing Muslims isn't Hindutva: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat
"Hindutva" is an inclusive concept and does not exclude Muslims, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Tuesday, maintaining that his organization embraces the Constitution, and respects the "socialist, secular" parts of its Preamble. "Hindu Rashtra doesn't mean there's no place for Muslims. Hindutva is Indianess and inclusiveness," he said on the second day of 'Bhavishya Ka Bharat- an RSS Perspective' at Vigyan Bhavan.
No Hindustan without Musalman
"Constitution of the country is sacrosanct"
RSS has been time and again charged with a wish to change the Constitution. Bhagwat denied it and said the Constitution of the country is "sacrosanct and reflects our consciousness". "We have accepted the Constitution and its adherence is our responsibility. The laws are based on the Constitution and the court has the right to interpret it and we must adhere to it."
"Global Brotherhood is a tradition of Hindutva"
Subtly hinting on the comparison of RSS to Muslim Brotherhood by Rahul Gandhi and over insistence on Hindutva, Bhagwat said, "While global brotherhood is the tradition of Hindutva & we're considerate to all, we aim to focus on those who accept they are Hindus."
"We're generally apolitical, but we speak on issues that matter"
Refuting all the allegations of "remote-handling" BJP, Bhagwat said, "Allegations like phone calls from Nagpur are misplaced. There are leaders senior to me and have better political experience." However, he did agree that RSS takes stand on issues concerning the nation. "We have strong stand in national interest. We are apolitical but that doesn't stop us from speaking on issues like illegal immigrants."
