New Delhi: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat, on Sunday, criticised the move to lay a foundation stone for a Babri Masjid-like structure in West Bengal, calling it a “political conspiracy” aimed at reviving a settled dispute for electoral gains.
His remarks assume significance as they come nearly months ahead of the high-stakes West Bengal Assembly elections scheduled in 2026.
Addressing a programme at the Science City auditorium in Kolkata, RSS Chief Bhagwat said the Ayodhya dispute had been resolved through a long legal process and a Supreme Court order, following which the Ram Temple was constructed.
“The matter is closed. Now, trying to rebuild the Babri Masjid and restart the dispute is a political strategy being carried out for vested interests. This is being done for votes; it is neither for Hindus nor for Muslims,” he said, without naming the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
The RSS Chief was reacting to the controversial move by suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir, who laid the foundation stone for a Babri Masjid-like mosque in Beldanga in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district.
RSS Chief Bhagwat termed the act a deliberate provocation and warned that such attempts to reopen old wounds could damage social harmony.
“This should not happen,” he asserted.
Clarifying the RSS’s position on the matter, RSS Chief Bhagwat stressed that the organisation is not against Muslims and that its primary objective is Hindu unity, not political mobilisation.
He cautioned against viewing the Sangh through the prism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), calling it a “huge mistake”.
“The RSS has no political agenda. Comparing it to political entities only leads to misunderstandings,” he said.
RSS Chief Bhagwat also underlined that governments should not use public funds to build religious structures.
Citing the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple and the Ram Mandir, he said both were built through public contributions, not government money.
Touching upon broader issues in West Bengal, RSS Chief Bhagwat expressed concern over rising Islamic extremism, incidents of violence against Hindus, and illegal infiltration, as well as the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh.
He appealed to the Hindus in India and abroad to support their “persecuted brethren”.
IANS
Tulsi Gabbard releases declassified documents alleging Fauci influenced Covid origin assessments
Washington: Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard released a trove of newly declassified documents that she said show former top US infectious disease official Anthony Fauci influenced intelligence assessments...
G7 Summit: PM Modi ‘failed’ to stand up for India’s economic interests, says Congress
New Delhi: The Congress on Thursday criticised the takeaways from Prime Minister Narender Modi's participation at the G7 Summit in France's Evian, alleging that he "failed" to stand up for...
PM Modi finds Banaras connection in Bratislava, says ‘art, culture bring people closer’
Bratislava: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday highlighted a unique cultural connection between India and Slovakia after witnessing an exhibition on Varanasi at the Presidential Palace in Bratislava, saying...
‘Undermines institutional neutrality’: K.C. Venugopal slams Kerala VCs who attended RSS event, demands resignation
Thiruvananthapuram: Congress General Secretary, Organisation, K.C. Venugopal, on Monday launched a strong political attack on three Kerala Vice Chancellors who attended an RSS centenary-related programme, describing their participation as contravening...
Foreign Secy Vikram Misri highlights indigenisation as key pillar for Rafale deal
Nice: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Sunday highlighted indigenisation as a key pillar of the Rafale fighter jet deal with France, reaffirming India's commitment to defence self-reliance and strengthening domestic...
Trump approval slips as inflation climbs
Washington: US President Donald Trump's approval rating has fallen to its lowest level of his second term as inflation continues to weigh on voters and Democrats hold a modest advantage...
Actor Raghava Lawrence signals political entry in TN, says he has taken ‘positive decision’ after public backing
Chennai: Actor, choreographer and filmmaker Raghava Lawrence has strongly hinted at entering active politics in Tamil Nadu, stating that he has taken a “positive decision” after receiving overwhelming encouragement from...
El Nino likely to impact food prices, inflation projected to settle in 5.2–5.5 pc range in FY27
New Delhi: There is 80 per cent likelihood of an El Nino event during the June–August period and probabilities for this, to continue until at least November, are near or...
‘Hug row’ opens INDIA bloc cracks as Pinarayi Vijayan takes on Rahul Gandhi
Thiruvananthapuram: The simmering differences within the Opposition INDIA bloc have burst into the open as Leader of Opposition in Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, on Saturday launched a sharp attack on Congress...
‘Old method of BJP’: Trinamool’s Kirti Azad on raids against Madan Mitra, Abhishek Banerjee
New Delhi: Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the BJP following raids conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against party leader Madan Mitra and...
‘Political vendetta’: Trinamool’s Sagarika Ghose on early morning raid at Abhishek Banerjee’s residence
Kolkata: Trinamool Rajya Sabha member Sagarika Ghose expressed scathing criticism of the early morning police raid at the residence of party General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee to track his absconding aide....
