RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Warns Against Viewing Sangh Through BJP Lens, Says Comparisons Lead to Misunderstandings

Mumbai: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday cautioned against interpreting the organisation through a political lens, stating that equating the RSS solely with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leads to serious misunderstandings.

Addressing the ‘100 Vyakhyan Mala’ programme in Kolkata, Bhagwat said many people mistakenly attempt to understand the Sangh by comparing it with political or service organisations.
“Many people have a tendency to understand the ‘Sangh’ through the lens of the BJP, which is a huge mistake,” Bhagwat said, according to ANI.

RSS Cannot Be Understood Through Comparisons: Bhagwat

The RSS chief emphasised that the organisation has a unique identity and purpose that cannot be explained through comparisons with political parties or social service groups.

“If you want to understand the Sangh, making comparisons will lead to misunderstandings. If you consider the Sangh to be just another service organisation, you will be mistaken,” he said.

Bhagwat underlined that the RSS is a cultural and ideological movement focused on long-term nation-building rather than short-term political outcomes.

Centenary Celebrations Held Across West Bengal

Bhagwat’s remarks came as part of the centenary celebrations of the RSS, which were held across West Bengal. On Friday, the organisation hosted a Prabuddha Nagarik Sammelan (Conference of Enlightened Citizens) at the Uttar Banga Marwari Bhavan in Siliguri.

The day-long conference, organised by the RSS Uttar Banga Prant, was titled “Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh: A Journey of 100 Years” and witnessed participation from over 100 citizens from eight districts of North Bengal, along with attendees from neighbouring Sikkim.

Bhagwat attended the event as the chief guest.

Wide Participation From Civil Society

The Sammelan saw participation from a wide cross-section of society, including senior citizens, retired government officials, academicians, doctors, advocates, business leaders, artists, poets, writers, sportspersons, members of various social and religious NGOs, and select members of the media.

The diversity of attendees reflected the RSS’s outreach beyond political circles, organisers said.

Focus on “Sajjan” and Nation-Building

Earlier, while addressing a Youth Conference on Thursday, Bhagwat spoke about the historical evolution and growth of the RSS over the past 100 years. He highlighted the organisation’s efforts to build a healthy society and a strong nation through the creation of ethically grounded and socially committed swayamsevaks.

Emphasising that the RSS aims to create “sajjan” — morally upright individuals — Bhagwat said such individuals, guided by selfless service and value-based living, play a crucial role in strengthening national pride and development.

Emphasis on Sanatan Values and Swadeshi

A question-and-answer session was also held during the Youth Conference, where participants raised issues related to national security, education, and India’s national outlook.

Responding to the questions, Bhagwat stressed the importance of embracing India’s ancient Sanatan cultural values and promoting self-reliance (Swadeshi) as key pillars of nation-building and national security.

He added that cultural confidence and economic self-reliance are essential for India’s long-term growth and global standing.

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