‘Don’t rake up Ram temple-like issues elsewhere’ remarks of RSS Chief create controversy.

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat has no rights to demoralize the Hindus who reclaim their temples and  worship places destroyed by invaders and converted as Mosques.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | New Delhi | Dec 20, 2024:: According to TOI, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has condemned the trend of self-proclaimed Hindu leaders stirring up disputes similar to the Ram temple issue at various sites. He emphasized that the Ram temple was constructed due to its significance to Hindu faith, but now some individuals are attempting to become leaders by raking up similar issues elsewhere. Bhagwat advocated for an inclusive society, highlighting India’s pluralism and the need for harmony.

In a programme on Thursday in Pune, Bhagwat exhorted, “India should set an example of how different faiths and ideologies can live together in harmony,” Bhagwat said against the backdrop of new controversies surrounding the origins of places of worship, including Shahi Jama Masjid in UP’s Sambhal and Ajmer Sharif in Rajasthan. The RSS chief was speaking in Pune as part of a lecture series on the theme “Vishwaguru Bharat”.

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent remarks have sparked controversy, hurting Hindu sentiments as they seemingly undermine initiatives by Hindutva groups to reclaim temples and worship sites from Islamic encroachments. These groups, not part of the Sangha Parivar, have taken significant steps to liberate Hindu places of worship which were destroyed by Muslim invaders and converted to Mosques in subsequent.

At least  11 contentious sites have come under litigation as Hindu sides reclaim their worship rights in the appropriate court of law. Bhagwat’s narrative has been perceived as dismissive of these efforts, causing concern among Hindutva groups and supporters.

In a very sharp attack, Hindutva interlocutor and Hindu Existence website editor, Upananda Brahmachari urged the RSS Chief not to demoralize the Hindus as Gyanvapi, Mathura, Sambhal, Ajmer mosques were build on his paternal property. So, Mohan Bhagwat has no rights to let those remain under Islamic encroachment.

Taking his X handle, Brahmachari wrote: “RSS Chief Dr Mohan Bhagwat shouldn’t demoralize Hindus. He must stop thinking that Gyanvapi, Mathura, Sambhal, Ajmer mosques were build on his paternal property. Hindus have every right to reclaim all of their old temples which were destroyed by invaders.“

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s remarks sparked controversy, as his call for inclusivity and condemnation of extremism were seen as equating Hindus with Muslim fanatics. Bhagwat emphasized learning from past mistakes to create a more inclusive India, showcasing its potential as a global role model. He stressed that raising contentious issues out of hate and enmity is unacceptable, citing the Ram temple as a matter of faith for Hindus. Bhagwat advocated for embracing ancient culture to reduce societal friction, condemning extremism, aggressiveness, and disrespect towards others’ beliefs. But it was not understood why Gyanvapi, Mathura, Dhar and Sambhal cases are not included as the faith of Hindus.

Such advocating by RSS Chief for one-sided sacrifices from Hindus for communal harmony indicates as the political motivation for Muslim appeasement. Political leaders and Muslim intellectuals have also questioned Bhagwat’s motives, suggesting that his words may be politically driven.

In social media many of Hindus reacted as, “Kashi, Mathura, Dhar,  Sambhal all belong to Hindus. It’s not the property of RSS or Mohan Bhagwat. They have no rights to embolden the Islamic encroachments there acting as touts of Muslims.” There is a sharp criticism against RSS for their compromising attitude with Fundamental Muslims.

Earlier, the RSS Chief imprudently commented ‘not to find Shivlings in every mosque‘ and he advocated even ‘Beef eating for social harmony‘. Such compromise with fanatic Muslims by RSS is never considered as an endorsement of it by all of Hindu society.

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__Inputs from TOI.